Clinical psychologists Rebecca Lesser Allen and Golee Abrishami are highlighting the concept of "dialectical thinking" as a tool for navigating complex personal and social issues. According to Allen, dialectical thinking involves the ability to hold two seemingly opposing ideas or feelings simultaneously, such as acknowledging personal frustration while remaining grateful for one's life.
The psychologists noted that digital environments may be reducing the prevalence of this cognitive skill. Allen stated that social media and political polarization have led to an increase in "black-and-white thinking," where there is little tolerance for complexity. Abrishami, who serves as the vice president of clinical care at Octave, added that internet algorithms and short-form content often reward extreme "hot takes" over nuanced reflection because they generate higher engagement.
Practical applications of dialectical thinking involve replacing the word "but" with "and" to bridge conflicting views. For example, a person might say they disagree with someone's opinion and can still remain their friend. Abrishami stated that this approach lowers defensiveness during disagreements and allows for more effective problem-solving between individuals.
On a broader scale, the psychologists indicated that the decline of this skill impacts the functioning of democratic institutions. Abrishami noted that leaders were once expected to "work across the aisle," a practice she said is now rarely mentioned. By adopting dialectical thinking, a person would notice a change in how they process stressful information or political conflict—rather than feeling forced to choose between two extremes, they would consciously seek a "middle ground" that acknowledges multiple truths without abandoning their own beliefs.
The experts suggested that the long-term effects of neglecting this skill include increased polarization and difficulty in reconsidering firmly held beliefs. To counter this, they recommended specific mental exercises, such as identifying when thoughts are driven by fear or anxiety and asking, "What would someone who disagrees with me say?" These techniques are presented as ways to foster self-compassion and resilience. No specific deadlines or legislative votes are tied to these recommendations, as they are psychological strategies rather than policy mandates.