Over the days (and weeks) of my writing here on Dialogos, I’ve been conversing deeply with friends and acquaintances. I will even find myself diving into the thick of it with total strangers. One of my major observations along the way is that, increasingly, many people are seeking out echo chambers. It’s not exactly how they might frame it, but people tend to prefer to have exchanges with like-minded individuals. Wading into arguments with those holding opposing views is fatiguing and generally inconclusive. To be non-judgmental while listening to jarring comments is difficult. To remain genuinely curious about the other’s “crazy” ideas is challenging. There is naturally a desire to want to jump in, to rebut and defend one’s beliefs. For some (many?), having one’s beliefs challenged is tantamount to upending one’s very existence.
I’ve seen how when engaging in a conversation with someone you don’t know well, at the outset you never know where the other person stands. Are we aligned or not? As the conversation evolves, little signals get picked up as to which side of which sensitive topic(s) everyone is. If we detect alignment (i.e. safety), the faucets open up and strong bonding follows. If there’s less debate and conflict in these conversations, there’s an evident need to exchange and to connect. I’ve observed time and again, especially on topics that are against the mainstream narrative, many are tired of not feeling able to speak up. Furthermore, there’s also a risk of stagnating and marinating in one’s viewpoints.
Is this something that resonates with you? Does it trigger you? What strategies do you employ to avoid too many echo chambers?
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There is a Cornellian woman , Phyllis Hasserot who I quite like who works on helping intergenerational organizations and the individuals within communicate and function optimally across the generations. Her book, You Can’t Google It! Addresses the issues and offers some solutions. She might make a good guest for your podcast. You Can't Google It! The Compelling Case for Cross-Generational Conversation at Work https://g.co/kgs/vm6yYh
Was just thinking this am about how we have become more and more siloed in our online interactions - sadly Google is moving more and more this way as well. They used to state there mission as providing the best most useful answers, now the responses are more than 3/4 ad based (revenue generating for them). I've no issue with making a profit, &....
Yes, that is constant work in action, working with oneself, the choices/values/self control...but if values are in check, kindness, respect, compassion, listening.., it may serve as a good reminder and redirection and of course being rested is a plus !! 😁
Keeping an open mind is helpful for me when the conversation may become challenging and then next is a redirection if and when I realize their passion or anger is over the top. Lots of dissension these days...robs lots of good energy to not redirect if encountered! Personally, I prefer to avoid. Life is to short!
An example of echo chamber is my own bubble during the French presidential election, another one is the covid obsession organized by the governments of many countries deliberately echoing one fear after another, one more wave, now the 7th!
Excellent remark Kathleen. Yes there is definitely a sense of generation gaps in these hot button topics. Just because you're the same age group doesn't actually mean you'll see eye to eye but it probably correlates well, especially when the group has similar backgrounds.
There is a Cornellian woman , Phyllis Hasserot who I quite like who works on helping intergenerational organizations and the individuals within communicate and function optimally across the generations. Her book, You Can’t Google It! Addresses the issues and offers some solutions. She might make a good guest for your podcast. You Can't Google It! The Compelling Case for Cross-Generational Conversation at Work https://g.co/kgs/vm6yYh
Was just thinking this am about how we have become more and more siloed in our online interactions - sadly Google is moving more and more this way as well. They used to state there mission as providing the best most useful answers, now the responses are more than 3/4 ad based (revenue generating for them). I've no issue with making a profit, &....
The digital tools have picked up in our desire to stay within our echo cambers! Makes cents.
Brilliant. Will check it out. Will you be able to introduce me?
Absolutely! Let me know when. 😀
Have ordered Hasserot's book!
Yes, that is constant work in action, working with oneself, the choices/values/self control...but if values are in check, kindness, respect, compassion, listening.., it may serve as a good reminder and redirection and of course being rested is a plus !! 😁
Indeed. It does depend where you start! Being passionate about listening is a good one! :)
Keeping an open mind is helpful for me when the conversation may become challenging and then next is a redirection if and when I realize their passion or anger is over the top. Lots of dissension these days...robs lots of good energy to not redirect if encountered! Personally, I prefer to avoid. Life is to short!
One of the challenges is balancing having conviction/passion and a patience and openness to listen... It can be so easy to get steamed up!
An example of echo chamber is my own bubble during the French presidential election, another one is the covid obsession organized by the governments of many countries deliberately echoing one fear after another, one more wave, now the 7th!
There seem to be a torrent of novel topics.... Politics provide a hornet's nest of different subjects...
So true. I’ve observed this and sadly in the US people just stop talking when divergent opinions arise. 🥲
I Wonder if you could speak to this echo phenomenon I’ve observed in multi-generational groups too. Have you seen this too?
Excellent remark Kathleen. Yes there is definitely a sense of generation gaps in these hot button topics. Just because you're the same age group doesn't actually mean you'll see eye to eye but it probably correlates well, especially when the group has similar backgrounds.