RLF Reflection: Persuasion with Inoculation Theory

On February 17th, Rockefeller Leadership Fellow Zach Shen '22 offered a presentation on the topic, "Enhanced Persuasion with Inoculation Theory."

According to Zach, Inoculation Theory – often applied and recognized within medical and healthcare contexts – can also be applied to the everyday lives of leaders, and thereby, Fellows. In keeping with that core idea, Zach provided an analogy between one's inoculation against the flu and one's inoculation against counterarguments, to explain how the theory can be applied in other societal contexts.

In this analogy between the flu and counterarguments, a person's opinions or set of beliefs are akin to a body's cells, while a virus might resemble any idea or argument which counters one's own. Likewise, antibodies are one's resistance to accepting new ideas or counterarguments, and vaccines are one's ability to refute a counterargument.

With this analogy as his basis, Zach asserted that "Enhanced Persuasion with Inoculation Theory" is found throughout our society today – be it within the healthcare sector and people's ability to resist the spread of COVID-19 misinformation; in commerce, regarding consumers' ability to not be swayed by companies' ad campaigns; or in politics.

In sum, an understanding of Inoculation Theory as it applies to arguments and counterarguments can improve one's ability to persuade – or if desired, to resist persuasion.

The content of Zach's presentation has the ability to impact Fellows' leadership skills and experiences: In understanding how one builds resistance against counterarguments, Fellows can better identify their own biases and resistance to absorbing other ways of thought. As a result, Fellows may become more open to different arguments and ways of thinking.

At the same time, considering Zach's content may better equip Fellows to persuade those around them – or understand why others' opinions are so set in stone.

Regardless, Fellows will have an enhanced understanding of communication – bettering their arguments – and discussions – in toto.

-Written by Dominique Mobley, Class of 2022 Rockefeller Leadership Fellow 

As Rockefeller Leadership Fellows, seniors gain a better understanding of the qualities and responsibilities expected of leaders. As Fellows take part in the workshops, discussions, and team-building exercises, they examine their skills, qualities, and attributes as leaders and analyze how these influence teamwork and achieving goals.