Quantum-mechanical model of the backfire effect: Capturing the asymmetry of opinion radicalization due to exposure to opposing views

We propose a quantum-mechanical model that represents a human system of beliefs as quantized energy levels of a physical system. This model underscores a novel perspective on opinion dynamics, recreating a broad range of experimental and real-world data that exhibit an asymmetry of opinion radicalization. In particular, the model demonstrates the phenomena of pronounced conservatism versus mild liberalism when individuals are exposed to opposing views, mirroring recent findings on opinion polarization via social media exposure. Advancing this model, we establish a solid framework that integrates elements from physics, psychology, and philosophy, and also emphasize the inherent advantages of the quantum approach over traditional classical models. Our findings enhance ongoing efforts to elucidate psychological, behavioral, and decision-making phenomena using the laws of quantum mechanics. These results also lend additional support to the quantum mind hypothesis, suggesting that the most radicalized opinions may not necessarily mirror the most firmly held beliefs but are driven by strongly held opinions and exposure to dissenting views.