This chapter explores how our brains have evolved to identify and form in-groups and out-groups, and how this impacts our perceptions and attitudes towards others. It discusses the formation of groups throughout human history and the influence of online platforms on group dynamics. The chapter also highlights the physiological responses that occur when assessing someone's trustworthiness and the reinforcement of behavior within in-groups.
It's human nature to form groups — families, friends, online communities. We love to be surrounded by people similar to us.
But that can also make us discriminatory and defensive. And social media makes that instinct worse.
In this episode, we look at how our brains evolved to connect and divide, and what that means for the problems we face in our modern world.