A Psychologist Explains Four Reasons the Internet Feels So Broken
Plain English with Derek Thompson
Perceptions Shape Polarization
Many individuals publicly conform to dominant beliefs, masking their true opinions to avoid backlash, which leads to a phenomenon known as pluralistic ignorance. This results in collective behaviors, such as widespread participation in rallies, driven by the assumption that everyone else holds the same beliefs, even when private sentiments are ambivalent. Additionally, research reveals a significant misperception among party members, where Republicans and Democrats believe the other side harbors much more animosity than is actually the case. While real polarization exists, this exaggerated perception creates a false sense of hostility, further deepening societal divides.
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