e and attitude. The life-cycle explanation states that when people get older their attitudes change. The generational explanation, which is supported by more evidence, states that each generation adoptsan attitude that is different from other generations, and does not changewith time. The state of mind of the message receiver plays an important on whether they are persuaded. When people feel they are about to bepersuaded to do something they will build arguments against it and be less likelyto be persuaded. A distracted state of mind often doesnt have the abilityto argue against persuasive messages, and therefore is more likely toaccept them. Audiences that are image conscious and unconcerned with the truthare more apt to be persuaded by the communicators attractiveness and other peripheral cues. Analytical people who are more concerned with beingright, are more influenced by central route communication. Now Id like todiscuss some ways for people to safeguard their beliefs and resist outside influence. One of the best ways to prevent an unwanted attitudepersuasion is to make public your commitment to your conviction. Once we havemade a choice or taken a stand we will encounter personal and interpersonal pressures to behave consistently with that commitmant.(4) Because inconsistency is viewed as a bad personality trait and consistentattitudes and behavior equate to logic, stability, and honesty, people willrarely be persuaded once they have made a strong commitment. Keep in mind,however, that this persuasion resisting technique can be forced on you by othersas seen in the cases of brain washing of American POWs during the Korean war. The POWs were asked to repeat mildly anti-American orpro-communist statements. Once they willingly complied, prisoners were asked to make a list of problems in America, which they had to discuss in a group. Thenext step ...
