How to Prevent Sociocentric Thinking Amongst Homophilious Groups
By: Michelle Torres
Tags: Cognitive Bias, Polarization, Homophily, Isolation, Social Media

Homogenous Networks

As we seen in Unit 3, the scope of the definition of “friend” has certainly broadened with the advent of digital media and social networking sites (see more on this topic here: “How Social Media is Redefining “Friendship”? ). Now more than ever before, “you are who you associate with.” The irony is that we have instant access to information from every nook on Earth, yet we tend to subscribe to views, opinions, ideals, content like those we already hold (Brooks, 2015). What are we so afraid of? By creating and feeding into these homogenous networks, we are creating polarized mini universes that do not comingle very well (Zheng & Lee, 2016).

Every “like” feeds into our natural intrinsic need to compare ourselves to others; that comparison influences our subjective well-being (Brooks, 2015). Feeling “connected” is a biological need. Reinforcing that good feeling of connectedness, is what leads us to continue to surround ourselves with like-minded influences — in turn, fostering homophily amongst that group (Brooks, 2015).

Risk of Polarization

While the positive effects of homophily through means of digital media have been demonstrated, there is also a downside to all that Pal’ing around. When we only surround ourselves with “like-minded” individuals, we lose site of the world outside of our own backyard (Zheng & Lee, 2016). Limiting or restricting one’s exposure to other perspectives, can lead to flawed thinking by way of confirmation bias, illusory truth effect and sociocentric thinking (Zheng & Lee, 2016).

Choosing to believe only what we personally comprehend, and what we have been told continually is detrimental to personal growth and community betterment (Zheng & Lee, 2016). The close-minded approach of sociocentric thinking is counter-community and inhibits learning and tolerance of other world views (Zheng & Lee, 2016).

All of these cognitive and social biases foster and environment that allows polarization to isolate groups and promote extremism and discrimination (Zheng & Lee, 2016). Websites and social networks sites are created in a way that “feeds” you what you like and allows you to avoid what you don’t like without any conscious effort at all (Zheng & Lee, 2016).

Preventing Cognitive Biases

Widening one’s horizon is achieved best through a multifaceted intentional exposure to New information (information new to you anyway), critical thinking, being open to other perspectives, verifying information, and appreciating outside influences. Additionally, there are a number of measures one can take and tools to employ to help combat these effects of extreme willing. Changing settings on social media to include a broader feed, exploring new groups and “liking” more content, will help to expose you to varied interests and perspectives (Bode, 2015).

References

Bode, L. (2016). Pruning the news feed: Unfriending and unfollowing political content on social media. Research and Politics, 3(3), 1–8.

Brooks, S. (2015). Does personal social media usage affect efficiency and well-being? Computers in Human Behavior, 46, 26–37.

Zheng, X., & Lee, M. K. O. (2016). Excessive use of mobile social networking sites: Negative consequences on individuals. Computers in Human Behavior, 65, 65–76.