Echo chambers convert the social-corrective group effect into conformity pressure

Evidence

These days more than ever, we can surround ourselves with people who already agree with us. And once we have done this, isn’t there going to be further pressure to trim our opinions to fit the group? Solomon Asch’s work has already shown that this is possible. If we are a liberal we will probably feel uncomfortable if we agree with most of our friends on immigration, gay marriage, and taxes, but are not so sure about gun control. If so, we will probably pay a social price that may alter our opinions. To the extent that this occurs not as a result of critical interaction but rather a desire not to offend our friends, this is likely not to be a good thing. Call it the dark side of the interactive group effect, which any of us who has ever served on a jury can probably describe: we just feel more comfortable when our views are in step with those of our compatriots. But what happens when our compatriots are wrong? Whether liberal or conservative, none of us has a monopoly on the truth. — Lee McIntyre, Post-Truth, 120

Categorization

• SEED: Article angle on the asymmetry: the same group dynamics that correct error when exposure is random flip into conformity enforcement when we curate our own interlocutors.
• XREF: connects to: Echo chambers amplify beliefs by sealing people off from counter-content — Sander van der Linden, Foolproof: Why Misinformation Infects…, 390; Polarization is both cause and consequence of echo chambers over time — Sander van der Linden, Foolproof: Why Misinformation Infects…, 483; Stress, threat, and lack of information increase conformity to group norms — Holm Gero Hümmler, Ulrike Schiesser, Fact and Prejudice: How to Communicate…, 186 (+7 more)

Broader Connections

• Stress, threat, and lack of information increase conformity to group norms #expands (0.85) — Holm Gero Hümmler, Ulrike Schiesser, Fact and Prejudice, 186
• Conformity pressure suppresses dissent and alternative evaluation in policy decisions #expands (0.85)
• External danger and social isolation drive members toward group conformity. #expands (0.80) — John T. Jost and Jim Sidanius, Political Psychology, 4142
• Shared information dominates group discussions, amplifying consensus stereotypes #expands (0.75) — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 2368
• Political expression is switched on and off by group context rather than individual belief #expands (0.72) — Nina Eliasoph, “Close to home”, 97
• Cognitive biases toward group acceptance are the precursor for post-truth #qualifies (0.72) — Lee McIntyre, Post-Truth, 121