Digital media tend to put each of us into our own personal echo chambers. Algorithms analyze our preferences and use them to recommend content that we are likely to agree with. I have seen this reach ridiculous proportions where my feeds will contain many videos/articles deconstructing strawman arguments for the positions the algorithm thinks I disagree with.
This can lead to populistic movements gaining increasing amounts of traction, because it is easy to mistake strawman arguments for actual mainstream positions, making one view the “others” as crazy and not worth arguing with.
I also believe this virtual echo chamber is one reason many people perceive the political spectrum to have become more polarized. Opposing positions are displayed in ridiculous ways and very little common ground is displayed. Noticing that we are in our own personal echo chamber is the first step.
Exposing ourselves to different viewpoints
Because normal online behavior will only expose us to reasonable arguments for one side of the debate, we need to make a conscious effort to understand other positions. This means we have to seek out well-researched material that goes against our own beliefs. It is easy to pick out strawman arguments and keep rallying against an imaginary stupid opponent while seriously considering opposing viewpoints requires mental and emotional fortitude.
I have read (or listened to) many books of different positions, and every single one of them has allowed me to experience new viewpoints and given me something new to think about. As a result, I have developed a more nuanced set of opinions, and it at least seems to me like I have become more curious about other viewpoints while learning about things I would have never known about otherwise.
It is okay to change one’s mind
After reading and learning more about a topic, I will often have my positions questioned and change my mind. I do not believe this to be a sign of weakness or stupidity but a sign of growth (see my article on the right amount of stubbornness).
We do not want to be one of those who are not open to having their minds changed no matter the presented facts. Fundamentalism and populism are easy to fall into because they do not require critical thinking, and every position is predetermined by the group (or leader).
Critical thinking and personal responsibility as weapons against totalitarianism
As citizens of democratic countries, I believe it to be our duty to make sure we do not fall into the pitfalls of totalitarianism. This means we have to take responsibility for our actions and opinions. I am a strong advocate of having discussions with one’s friends and debating political/societal issues. These discussions need to be respectful and rational.
The book “Ordinary Men” by Christopher R. Browning does a great job of showcasing the threat of totalitarianism and how easily people are converted into mindless vassals. I highly recommend this book because it shaped the way I think about personal responsibility and the instrumentalization of individuals.
Conclusion
We need to be aware of the virtual echo chamber we live in and make sure to escape it every once in a while. Openmindedly exposing ourselves to differing viewpoints is a great way to grow and become wiser. Sometimes we resist opinions on an emotional level because we cannot refute them rationally. This should be a sign for us to learn more about the positions that enrage us the most.
Thank you! So wise!!