Consider the cognitive dissonance of maga chuds who simultaneously think those were antifa storming the capital, and seeing their maga buddies brag about storming the capital.

This cognitive strain has a function: it is uncomfortable, stressful.

Cognitive dissonance is stressful, it's exhausting and uncomfortable.

On the outside, you can see why. "you're simultaneously bragging about, and disowning, these people, you fucking scum."

On the inside though?

All they know is that they're extremely uncomfortable about something, and desperately need to find some way of alleviating that discomfort.

This cognitive dissonance produces intense discomfort.

And, you know how studies show tylenol helps mental stress? Turns out, you can't tell the difference between emotional and physical distress.

In a similar way, the cognitive dissonance, and the discomfort it produces, is alleviated by finding *some* way to resolve it.

They are itchy and cranky and looking for literally anything to scratch that itch.

One obvious way of alleviating that discomfort: seeing that the other interpretation is bullshit. Admit they've been scammed.

No, this guy is obviously not jfkjr. No, this guy covered in neonazi symbols and waving a confederate flag is not antifa but your fellow traveller.

"This guy? The one holding a q sign? Shaking rudy's hand? Covered in nazi tattoos? You think he's antifa?"

This is one obvious way of alleviating that discomfort.

It doesn't work.

It doesn't work, and couldn't work, because of sunk costs.

It'd be *more* uncomfortable and *more* stressful to admit you've been conned by people who couldn't possibly be more obvious con artists.