Dissonance Magazine

Dissonance Magazine is an online creative writing magazine inspired by the ideas of Leon Festinger’s cognitive dissonance theory. Put simply, Festinger’s theory suggests what when we either act against our beliefs or hold two contradictory beliefs at the same time, we will experience discomfort, a state he termed cognitive dissonance. Our everyday lives are scattered with such uncomfortable contrasts. It’s the difference between how the world is and how we view the world ought to be. It’s the plastic bottle you bought despite knowing it’s bad for the environment. It’s picking an argument with someone you love despite knowing you are in the wrong. It’s smoking despite being aware of the health consequences. It’s wanting to be more productive and then clicking next on Netflix or scrolling through social media on your phone for hours on end. The aim of the magazine is to unite writers and artists across genres and locations in order to explore how this theme of dissonance runs through our everyday lives. We want to collectively explore what it means to live in the 21st century. In a political and environmental atmosphere where large sums of our future remains uncertain, we want to provide a platform where we can voice our concerns through a multitude of mediums.

Country of Publication

United Kingdom