I don't know that there is a great way to break the cycle, which is why MSNBC and Fox News have very different but fiercely loyal audiences. Certainly there are exceptions- I've had certain issues that I've changed my mind about after hearing some very convincing arguments (opposition to the death penalty is one example), but most people come to certain conclusions about hot-button issues and then have a very difficult time changing course because they want to convince the other person why they are wrong before listening to the other person first. I think a certain amount of that is simply human nature.