Leveraging Diverse Networks to Reduce Social Polarization

Origin Reddit Post

r/science

Liberals and conservatives were more open to befriending someone from the other side when that person had a politically diverse group of friends. Participants were less likely to dehumanize t

Posted by u/mvea•07/21/2025

Top Comments

u/RedditApothecary

Trans people just need to TALK to the bigots who want to genocide them, then all problems can be solved with compromise! Maybe just half of all trans people get genocided? Coonstitution bei

u/That_Jicama2024

Algorythms ruined our ability to understand different opinions. You watch one youtube video about a truck and now you ONLY see truck videos. That's not how people get smarter.

u/dropkickninja

That makes sense. Cult members want more members while people who recognize the cult members want nothing to do with them.

u/doctorboredom

Exactly. The “disagreement” I currently have with my SIL is her telling my wife and I, “You need to believe that COVID was a bioweapon attack and that vaccines will kill your children and you

u/MazW

I had this uncle. He took us swimming and fishing. He was kind to our aunt. Every dinner he'd talk about N words and f-----ts and how our mother shouldn't let us cut our hair because we loo

u/CronkinOn

So talking to people from differing belief structures improves our worldly perceptions, understanding, and empathy. More than talking to people in our echo chambers, which these days are lar

u/Obzota

I want to believe there’s a bunch of reasonable people who just want decent living conditions. And the better strategy to change society might be to open some discussion about fighting inequa

u/Yashema

You don't need to exist in an echo chamber to abhor the current Republican Party and everyone who supports it. In fact, the more you talk to Conservatives about their political views the more

u/patricksaurus

What I find pretty interesting is what might be a corollary very similar to what you mention. The people who tend to be more extreme and tend to tie their identity to politics may also eff

u/plinocmene

Thanks to the internet and algorithms those echo chambers have gotten worse.

u/MazW

Just "Uncle Bob" and how they were always together (and without my aunt), and in retrospect, how nobody ever talked about Uncle Bob.

u/could_use_a_snack

Or, people who don't live in echo chambers are more likely to be friends with people who don't live in echo chambers.

u/ShockedNChagrinned

Yes. Yah how to spend money wisely to achieve the same or very similar goals is a worthwhile discussion. You want more eyes and expertise to find the gaps, and create as efficient a solu

u/DirectorLarge2461

What was the biggest clue that he was gay ? Was it that he didn't ask your aunt to go fishing with you as well?

u/ToWriteAMystery

Exactly. I can be friends with socialists and capitalists, but not with people who are anti-gay marriage or don’t believe in feminism.

u/ChaosCron1

I think this is an astute interpretation of the research. Extremists beliefs tend to create feedback loops that further silo people's ideologies and worldviews due to a warped selection/conf

u/redvodkandpinkgin

Classic reddit comment dismissing the article without bothering to even open it. It's pretty well explained in the title you just didn't read it right. What you say in your comment is that P

u/redvodkandpinkgin

Classic reddit comment dismissing the article without bothering to even open it. It's pretty well explained in the title you just didn't read it right. What you say in your comment is that P

u/seaspirit331

I mean think about it: why has right-wing propaganda been so effective at targeting the trans community? It's because it's easier to dehumanize someone you have never met or interacted with

u/JWAdvocate83

I can’t, in good conscience, befriend anyone who eats wings with blue cheese. Ranch is the superior choice, and it’s not even close.

u/[deleted]

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u/eleven-fu

depends on what is meant by 'the other side'. I don't need to be sold on the benefits of having access to diverse perspectives any more than I need further evidence that the Earth orbits the

u/goronmask

Yeah, makes sense. It helps identifying people less likely to spew hate or try to hurt you

u/Vox_Causa

Are there non-bigoted Republicans?

u/HAL_9OOO_

Seriously. Political differences mean we disagree on capital gains tax rates. I have a difference of fundamental values with Republicans.

u/ChaosCron1

I think this is an astute interpretation of the research. Extremists beliefs tend to create feedback loops that further silo people's ideologies and worldviews due to a warped selection/conf

u/Cookiedestryr

I think it also portrays that facts that groups of ideologies stay more moderate, while echo chambers can amplify an idea into an ideology, regardless of its validity. And both parties (hell

u/eskimospy212

This seems like a major chicken/egg problem.

u/chibinoi

Having friends from all walks of life and opinions is generally a good thing, at least in today’s social contract and social climate.

u/HAL_9OOO_

Seriously. Political differences mean we disagree on capital gains tax rates. I have a difference of fundamental values with Republicans.

u/Fifteen_inches

The crux of these issues is has always been if the nature of the disagreement. If we take the politics of a person that doesn’t involve inalienable identity then more for more obvious reasons

u/CapoExplains

I have to question the cause and effect here. Isn't it more likely that someone with a diverse group of friends is going to be less "conservative" (ie. less aligned with Republican ideals of

u/yrddog

I am friends with people of all religious and ideological communities. However, I draw the line at being friends with people who think I, my son, my daughter, or others in my family don't des

u/MazW

Possible, but I remember him as quiet but sweet and the kind of guy who is like, "Don't listen to him" while nudging you with an elbow. But memories are faulty. My uncle had an ashtray that

u/Username_MrErvin

yes. if anything this article reinforces my intuition that most people are very, very politically unengaged. meaning they could engage with ppl w different views

u/Username_MrErvin

.. or who are ok with rescinding birthright citizenship, want a moratorium on immigration, shrug off the BBB, think lgbt teachers are indoctrinating kids, think trans people are crazy people,

u/DirectorLarge2461

For some reason I keep thinking of Jay and Silent Bob now, but thanks for answering.

u/asstatine

I’m not sure I’m following your argument and what conclusion it leads to. What I understand you’re arguing for currently is because things are getting better that we shouldn’t form politicall

u/Lower_Group_1171

A Nazi and I don’t have a difference of opinion. We have a completely different set of morals. I can’t be friends or even civil with a Nazi.

u/[deleted]

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u/Liontreeble

But that's not even that far away from what the original commenter said, no? It still kinda boils down to "people are more likely to befriend people that are accepting of other people's views

u/Emergency-Eye-2165

What. A. Bigot.

u/Rishfee

I think that generally points to the idea that politically diverse friend groups would tend to exclude extremists. While present political rhetoric is trending towards the extreme, specifical

u/ShockedNChagrinned

Yes. Yah how to spend money wisely to achieve the same or very similar goals is a worthwhile discussion. You want more eyes and expertise to find the gaps, and create as efficient a solu

u/ShockedNChagrinned

I think the depth of your relationship will change if the guiding principles of your life are vastly different. It's one thing to be cordial and give people respect as humans, until and u

u/Cuddlyaxe

I kind of dislike how openly partisan some people on this sub are. The other user seems to dislike the conclusion of the study and is therefore attacking it for partisan reasons with some str

u/elpajaroquemamais

Right or if they don’t believe gay people should be able to get married they aren’t going to ever truly love a gay friend.

u/doctorboredom

Exactly. The “disagreement” I currently have with my SIL is her telling my wife and I, “You need to believe that COVID was a bioweapon attack and that vaccines will kill your children and you

u/Rishfee

I think that generally points to the idea that politically diverse friend groups would tend to exclude extremists. While present political rhetoric is trending towards the extreme, specifical

u/Moosetappropriate

So, in short , echo chambers are bad.

u/windsostrange

Being intolerant only of intolerance is what I try to stick to. It's a pretty simple guide.

u/WanderingAlienBoy

In some cases it does open them up, especially if the trans person is really close (family, best friend etc) but even so it isn't up to trans people to befriend people who hate them in order

u/Username_MrErvin

.. or who are ok with rescinding birthright citizenship, want a moratorium on immigration, shrug off the BBB, think lgbt teachers are indoctrinating kids, think trans people are crazy people,

u/JWAdvocate83

I can’t, in good conscience, befriend anyone who eats wings with blue cheese. Ranch is the superior choice, and it’s not even close.

u/Username_MrErvin

.. or who are ok with rescinding birthright citizenship, want a moratorium on immigration, shrug off the BBB, think lgbt teachers are indoctrinating kids, think trans people are crazy people,

u/Top-Turn-69420

“I don’t believe in birthright citizenship” “I don’t believe in habeas corpus” Ok cool, then you’re a traitor that doesn’t believe in the constitution or human rights. How am I meant to wa

u/Entrefut

I am generally liberal, but very much enjoy surrounding myself with friends that have differing opinions. Ultimately politics isn’t your entire life and I have plenty of overlapping hobbies w

u/weguccino

So they are more open to being friends with the other side if they are already friends with the other side… okay.

u/ninja-squirrel

I can have great relationships with people who are different from me politically. Having a difference in politics should amount to, different methods of better our community. When one of thos

u/ToWriteAMystery

Exactly. I can be friends with socialists and capitalists, but not with people who are anti-gay marriage or don’t believe in feminism.

u/mvea

I’ve linked to the news release in the post above. In this comment, for those interested, here’s the link to the peer reviewed journal article: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1948

u/trysterowl

So you want me to platform fascists then? Yikes..

u/garrus-ismyhomeboy

And they would be bigots and racists as well. You can’t support someone as vile as Trump and then say you’re not a racist or bigot cause if you really wasn’t one then you wouldn’t support him

u/MazW

I suppose not. Damn.

u/Simple_Confusion_756

Exactly. In this day and age, it ain’t hard to expose yourself to different types of people. There more options then ever to reach out and that’s what they’re trying to remove. They are ignor

u/Simple_Confusion_756

Exactly. In this day and age, it ain’t hard to expose yourself to different types of people. There more options then ever to reach out and that’s what they’re trying to remove. They are ignor

u/plinocmene

Thanks to the internet and algorithms those echo chambers have gotten worse.

u/That_Jicama2024

Algorythms ruined our ability to understand different opinions. You watch one youtube video about a truck and now you ONLY see truck videos. That's not how people get smarter.

u/SapirWhorfHypothesis

Alternative explanation: “Uncle Bob” was the source of your uncle’s racism and homophobia, and they managed to alienate every other friend they had until they were left only with each other.

u/Yashema

If you didn't learn from the disaster that was the George Bush administration how terrible Republican politics are on all fronts, not to mention reams of data showing that Democratic run stat

u/Yashema

If you didn't learn from the disaster that was the George Bush administration how terrible Republican politics are on all fronts, not to mention reams of data showing that Democratic run stat

u/clem82

I draw the line at people who pretend to be okay with everyone, but in reality they’re only okay with those who believe what they do

u/Azzy8007

I don't choose friends based on political views. Also, I have no friends.

u/MazW

I had this uncle. He took us swimming and fishing. He was kind to our aunt. Every dinner he'd talk about N words and f-----ts and how our mother shouldn't let us cut our hair because we loo

u/Yashema

I'm saying your belief system about how politics used to be is not true. We used to tolerate abject bigotry as a "difference in opinion", now we are saying we no longer can. Being friends wit

u/Simple_Confusion_756

Exactly. In this day and age, it ain’t hard to expose yourself to different types of people. There more options then ever to reach out and that’s what they’re trying to remove. They are ignor

u/the_supreme_overlord

You'd think so but it just does not work out that way. Even when these conservatives know a trans person. That trans person just becomes "one of the good ones, not like all those other transe

u/GraceMDrake

I’m done trying to accommodate “friends” who say they don’t want to talk about politics but can’t stop blaming immigrants and trans people.

u/NerfPandas

This is exactly how I interpreted the title

u/[deleted]

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u/[deleted]

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u/GuardTechnical762

This looks like one where the data may be valid, but the interpretation, or at least the description of the interpretation leaves a lot to be desired, such as, how are they defining liberals,

u/DominarDio

Same. And it seems like an equally obvious conclusion (this person probably won’t treat me badly for my different opinions, they’re able to be friends with people with different opinions),

u/weguccino

So they are more open to being friends with the other side if they are already friends with the other side… okay.

u/One-Organization970

This is what gets me. I can disagree about taxes all day, but in terms of torturing me or denying me fundamental human rights I can't afford to compromise. And unfortunately, torturing and de

u/austin06

Thats just it. It is evil. And we all suffer for it. If people don’t see the consequences of their actions they’ll never learn or change. Coddling them doesn’t work. And sorry but some peop

u/wileybot

People hole up in their homes, only interacting with their phones and delivery drivers, and here we are.

u/Fifteen_inches

The crux of these issues is has always been if the nature of the disagreement. If we take the politics of a person that doesn’t involve inalienable identity then more for more obvious reasons

u/HAL_9OOO_

Seriously. Political differences mean we disagree on capital gains tax rates. I have a difference of fundamental values with Republicans.

u/asstatine

It’s the engagement with them that reduces this though. Television news networks may have brought the first form of echo chambers back in the 80s, but social media amplified it to the extreme

u/speedoboy17

You know there are conservatives that didn’t vote for Trump, right?

u/MazW

Just "Uncle Bob" and how they were always together (and without my aunt), and in retrospect, how nobody ever talked about Uncle Bob.

u/Yashema

You don't need to exist in an echo chamber to abhor the current Republican Party and everyone who supports it. In fact, the more you talk to Conservatives about their political views the more

u/Cookiedestryr

Hmmm, it’s almost like the Republican Party as a whole has been replaced by extremists and is no longer the party that actually cares for *conserving* American values? And I’m pretty sure you

u/That_Jicama2024

Algorythms ruined our ability to understand different opinions. You watch one youtube video about a truck and now you ONLY see truck videos. That's not how people get smarter.

u/Arik_De_Frasia

People are more open to people who are more open minded? Weird. I had a friend who passed away a few years ago, that kept saying I was her best friend and like a brother to her. She wasn't "

u/CCV21

At least he had the caveat "until he attacked Poland". Nowadays some people won't even say that.

u/seaspirit331

I mean think about it: why has right-wing propaganda been so effective at targeting the trans community? It's because it's easier to dehumanize someone you have never met or interacted with

u/Entrefut

I am generally liberal, but very much enjoy surrounding myself with friends that have differing opinions. Ultimately politics isn’t your entire life and I have plenty of overlapping hobbies w

u/ToWriteAMystery

I have nieces and nephews who got citizenship through birthright….I can’t even begin to think about what will happen to them when the Republicans make it go away.

u/chibinoi

Having friends from all walks of life and opinions is generally a good thing, at least in today’s social contract and social climate.

u/could_use_a_snack

All I'm saying is, if you are surrounded by a group of people that are for the same thing it's easier for you to just accept that it's normal. Either way. But if you are around people that ha

u/[deleted]

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u/wektor420

Maybe he was masking

u/wileybot

People hole up in their homes, only interacting with their phones and delivery drivers, and here we are.

u/[deleted]

[removed]

u/yrddog

I am friends with people of all religious and ideological communities. However, I draw the line at being friends with people who think I, my son, my daughter, or others in my family don't des

u/[deleted]

[removed]

u/Azzy8007

I don't choose friends based on political views. Also, I have no friends.

u/[deleted]

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u/clem82

I draw the line at people who pretend to be okay with everyone, but in reality they’re only okay with those who believe what they do

u/GuardTechnical762

This looks like one where the data may be valid, but the interpretation, or at least the description of the interpretation leaves a lot to be desired, such as, how are they defining liberals,

u/ShockedNChagrinned

I think the depth of your relationship will change if the guiding principles of your life are vastly different. It's one thing to be cordial and give people respect as humans, until and u

u/dropkickninja

That makes sense. Cult members want more members while people who recognize the cult members want nothing to do with them.

u/[deleted]

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u/DominarDio

Same. And it seems like an equally obvious conclusion (this person probably won’t treat me badly for my different opinions, they’re able to be friends with people with different opinions),

u/CronkinOn

So talking to people from differing belief structures improves our worldly perceptions, understanding, and empathy. More than talking to people in our echo chambers, which these days are lar

u/weguccino

So they are more open to being friends with the other side if they are already friends with the other side… okay.

u/[deleted]

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u/elpajaroquemamais

Right or if they don’t believe gay people should be able to get married they aren’t going to ever truly love a gay friend.

u/NerfPandas

This is exactly how I interpreted the title

u/clem82

I draw the line at people who pretend to be okay with everyone, but in reality they’re only okay with those who believe what they do

u/GuardTechnical762

This looks like one where the data may be valid, but the interpretation, or at least the description of the interpretation leaves a lot to be desired, such as, how are they defining liberals,

u/Reaper_456

Everyone is different. Like I have met and spoke to so many people it's one of the reasons why I chose to work in hospitality. You meet everyone, from poor, to stupid rich. It's why I used to

u/Cookiedestryr

Hmmm, it’s almost like the Republican Party as a whole has been replaced by extremists and is no longer the party that actually cares for *conserving* American values? And I’m pretty sure you

u/MazW

Mine was Hugh :)

u/the_supreme_overlord

You'd think so but it just does not work out that way. Even when these conservatives know a trans person. That trans person just becomes "one of the good ones, not like all those other transe

u/patricksaurus

It means that friendship networks with political diversity tend to remain politically diverse. It’s not a trivial result.

u/Acrobatic_Switches

I refuse to be the bridge between my minority friends and the bigots who want them deported, incarcerated and dehumanized.

u/ToWriteAMystery

Exactly. I can be friends with socialists and capitalists, but not with people who are anti-gay marriage or don’t believe in feminism.

u/Slavasonic

This is a single research study. It’s not telling you to do anything.

u/eskimospy212

This seems like a major chicken/egg problem.

u/windsostrange

Being intolerant only of intolerance is what I try to stick to. It's a pretty simple guide.

u/toastedzergling

So all those folks giving advice to cut off your friends who don't 100% agree with your political views were short-sighted and wrong?

u/[deleted]

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u/yrddog

I am friends with people of all religious and ideological communities. However, I draw the line at being friends with people who think I, my son, my daughter, or others in my family don't des

u/Obzota

I want to believe there’s a bunch of reasonable people who just want decent living conditions. And the better strategy to change society might be to open some discussion about fighting inequa

u/MazW

Just "Uncle Bob" and how they were always together (and without my aunt), and in retrospect, how nobody ever talked about Uncle Bob.

u/TheGreatEmanResu

More evidence that a lot of issues come down to how fractured society as become. We all spend our days cooped up inside in our online echo chambers

u/One-Organization970

This is what gets me. I can disagree about taxes all day, but in terms of torturing me or denying me fundamental human rights I can't afford to compromise. And unfortunately, torturing and de

u/Arik_De_Frasia

People are more open to people who are more open minded? Weird. I had a friend who passed away a few years ago, that kept saying I was her best friend and like a brother to her. She wasn't "

u/eleven-fu

depends on what is meant by 'the other side'. I don't need to be sold on the benefits of having access to diverse perspectives any more than I need further evidence that the Earth orbits the

u/Acrobatic_Switches

I refuse to be the bridge between my minority friends and the bigots who want them deported, incarcerated and dehumanized.

u/[deleted]

[removed]

u/WanderingAlienBoy

In some cases it does open them up, especially if the trans person is really close (family, best friend etc) but even so it isn't up to trans people to befriend people who hate them in order

u/Acrobatic_Switches

I refuse to be the bridge between my minority friends and the bigots who want them deported, incarcerated and dehumanized.

u/DirectorLarge2461

For some reason I keep thinking of Jay and Silent Bob now, but thanks for answering.

u/MazW

I had this uncle. He took us swimming and fishing. He was kind to our aunt. Every dinner he'd talk about N words and f-----ts and how our mother shouldn't let us cut our hair because we loo

u/Top-Turn-69420

u/could_use_a_snack

Or, people who don't live in echo chambers are more likely to be friends with people who don't live in echo chambers.

u/doctorboredom

Exactly. The “disagreement” I currently have with my SIL is her telling my wife and I, “You need to believe that COVID was a bioweapon attack and that vaccines will kill your children and you

u/Azzy8007

I don't choose friends based on political views. Also, I have no friends.

u/goronmask

Yeah, makes sense. It helps identifying people less likely to spew hate or try to hurt you

u/CronkinOn

So talking to people from differing belief structures improves our worldly perceptions, understanding, and empathy. More than talking to people in our echo chambers, which these days are lar

u/CCV21

At least he had the caveat "until he attacked Poland". Nowadays some people won't even say that.

u/wektor420

Maybe he was masking

u/Talentagentfriend

That’s not true. There are people that don’t know any better. There are many places in the country that are only white and literally only know what they’ve been told. There are a wide range o

u/dropkickninja

That makes sense. Cult members want more members while people who recognize the cult members want nothing to do with them.

u/RedditApothecary

Trans people just need to TALK to the bigots who want to genocide them, then all problems can be solved with compromise! Maybe just half of all trans people get genocided? Coonstitution bei

u/Golda_M

Insular vs open culture... in microcosm. People from insular circles develoo personalities and communication styles that are very grating to someone from outside of this circle. The cla

u/redvodkandpinkgin

Classic reddit comment dismissing the article without bothering to even open it. It's pretty well explained in the title you just didn't read it right. What you say in your comment is that P

u/TheGreatEmanResu

More evidence that a lot of issues come down to how fractured society as become. We all spend our days cooped up inside in our online echo chambers

u/Acrobatic_Switches

I refuse to be the bridge between my minority friends and the bigots who want them deported, incarcerated and dehumanized.

u/Username_MrErvin

yes. if anything this article reinforces my intuition that most people are very, very politically unengaged. meaning they could engage with ppl w different views

u/windsostrange

Being intolerant only of intolerance is what I try to stick to. It's a pretty simple guide.

u/MetalSociologist

Center Right to Far Right people. Liberals are not Left, both they and conservatives are Right Wing.

u/goronmask

Yeah, makes sense. It helps identifying people less likely to spew hate or try to hurt you

u/threemileallan

Yknow, to some degree I understand how being sheltered you can he racist if you're not exposed to other people. What I DONT understand is the degree to which this country is outright SEXIST.

u/DirectorLarge2461

For some reason I keep thinking of Jay and Silent Bob now, but thanks for answering.

u/eskimospy212

This seems like a major chicken/egg problem.

u/Lumostark

Having a group of friends with diverse political ideologies definitely prevents the "inbreeding of ideas" inside one's mind and balances things out

u/Worldly_Car912

This seems like common sense.

u/seaspirit331

I mean think about it: why has right-wing propaganda been so effective at targeting the trans community? It's because it's easier to dehumanize someone you have never met or interacted with

u/Arik_De_Frasia

People are more open to people who are more open.

u/TheGreatEmanResu

More evidence that a lot of issues come down to how fractured society as become. We all spend our days cooped up inside in our online echo chambers

u/yrddog

I am friends with people of all religious and ideological communities. However, I draw the line at being friends with people who think I, my son, my daughter, or others in my family don't des

u/ShockedNChagrinned

Yes. Yah how to spend money wisely to achieve the same or very similar goals is a worthwhile discussion. You want more eyes and expertise to find the gaps, and create as efficient a solu

u/CronkinOn

So talking to people from differing belief structures improves our worldly perceptions, understanding, and empathy. More than talking to people in our echo chambers, which these days are lar

u/Yashema

In the 1960s the statement: I don't want Black people to exist in the same space as me was considered politically cogent. Or that you couldn't rape your wife. Or that being gay should be ille

u/Slavasonic

This is a single research study. It’s not telling you to do anything.

u/Moosetappropriate

So, in short , echo chambers are bad.

u/freethis

Or, alternately, people were willing to compromise on their morals and values when they were already compromised in the same way with someone else?

u/Rithgarth

Comments section is cooked

u/jayfactor

If your first conversation with me is about politics I’m not interested in getting to know you further - left or right

u/Azzy8007

I don't choose friends based on political views. Also, I have no friends.

u/SapirWhorfHypothesis

Alternative explanation: “Uncle Bob” was the source of your uncle’s racism and homophobia, and they managed to alienate every other friend they had until they were left only with each other.

u/Arik_De_Frasia

People are more open to people who are more open minded? Weird. I had a friend who passed away a few years ago, that kept saying I was her best friend and like a brother to her. She wasn't "

u/MazW

I suppose not. Damn.

u/One-Organization970

This is what gets me. I can disagree about taxes all day, but in terms of torturing me or denying me fundamental human rights I can't afford to compromise. And unfortunately, torturing and de

u/chibinoi

Having friends from all walks of life and opinions is generally a good thing, at least in today’s social contract and social climate.

u/Emergency-Eye-2165

I was being sarcastic. Who’s the moron?

u/patricksaurus

It means that friendship networks with political diversity tend to remain politically diverse. It’s not a trivial result.

u/WanderingAlienBoy

In some cases it does open them up, especially if the trans person is really close (family, best friend etc) but even so it isn't up to trans people to befriend people who hate them in order

u/asstatine

I’m not sure I’m following your argument and what conclusion it leads to. What I understand you’re arguing for currently is because things are getting better that we shouldn’t form politicall

u/Lower_Group_1171

A Nazi and I don’t have a difference of opinion. We have a completely different set of morals. I can’t be friends or even civil with a Nazi.

u/dropkickninja

That makes sense. Cult members want more members while people who recognize the cult members want nothing to do with them.

u/Username_MrErvin

yes. if anything this article reinforces my intuition that most people are very, very politically unengaged. meaning they could engage with ppl w different views

u/Slavasonic

This is a single research study. It’s not telling you to do anything.

u/mvea

I’ve linked to the news release in the post above. In this comment, for those interested, here’s the link to the peer reviewed journal article: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1948

u/Golda_M

Insular vs open culture... in microcosm. People from insular circles develoo personalities and communication styles that are very grating to someone from outside of this circle. The cla

u/seaspirit331

Well, there's about 77 million Republicans atm, and I have a hard time believing that almost a third of everyone you meet is a raging bigot. It's important to remember that ignorance is not

u/Confident_Counter471

But if you are openly racist or homophobic then you are clearly evil and don’t deserve respect…especially if you refuse to work on those issues and absorb them into your personality

u/NerfPandas

This is exactly how I interpreted the title

u/ninja-squirrel

I can have great relationships with people who are different from me politically. Having a difference in politics should amount to, different methods of better our community. When one of thos

u/Reaper_456

Everyone is different. Like I have met and spoke to so many people it's one of the reasons why I chose to work in hospitality. You meet everyone, from poor, to stupid rich. It's why I used to

u/Cookiedestryr

I think it also portrays that facts that groups of ideologies stay more moderate, while echo chambers can amplify an idea into an ideology, regardless of its validity. And both parties (hell

u/Liontreeble

But that's not even that far away from what the original commenter said, no? It still kinda boils down to "people are more likely to befriend people that are accepting of other people's views

u/tonycomputerguy

If you make politics your entire personality, I wouldn't want to be friends with you, same thing with anyone obsessed with anything like sports, too... I mean, I get it, you're a fan, but you

u/Moosetappropriate

So, in short , echo chambers are bad.

u/Top-Turn-69420

u/patricksaurus

It means that friendship networks with political diversity tend to remain politically diverse. It’s not a trivial result.

u/MazW

I had this uncle. He took us swimming and fishing. He was kind to our aunt. Every dinner he'd talk about N words and f-----ts and how our mother shouldn't let us cut our hair because we loo

u/Yashema

In the 1960s the statement: I don't want Black people to exist in the same space as me was considered politically cogent. Or that you couldn't rape your wife. Or that being gay should be ille

u/windsostrange

Being intolerant only of intolerance is what I try to stick to. It's a pretty simple guide.

u/Talentagentfriend

I’m not implying that. That’s an interesting assumption from you. I’m agreeing with them and expanding on it. “You” is a general “you.” As in anyone.

u/patricksaurus

What I find pretty interesting is what might be a corollary very similar to what you mention. The people who tend to be more extreme and tend to tie their identity to politics may also eff

u/eskimospy212

This seems like a major chicken/egg problem.

u/One-Organization970

This is what gets me. I can disagree about taxes all day, but in terms of torturing me or denying me fundamental human rights I can't afford to compromise. And unfortunately, torturing and de

u/ToWriteAMystery

I have nieces and nephews who got citizenship through birthright….I can’t even begin to think about what will happen to them when the Republicans make it go away.

u/asstatine

I’m not sure I’m following your argument and what conclusion it leads to. What I understand you’re arguing for currently is because things are getting better that we shouldn’t form politicall

u/patricksaurus

What I find pretty interesting is what might be a corollary very similar to what you mention. The people who tend to be more extreme and tend to tie their identity to politics may also eff

u/Cookiedestryr

I think it also portrays that facts that groups of ideologies stay more moderate, while echo chambers can amplify an idea into an ideology, regardless of its validity. And both parties (hell

u/MazW

Possible, but I remember him as quiet but sweet and the kind of guy who is like, "Don't listen to him" while nudging you with an elbow. But memories are faulty. My uncle had an ashtray that

u/Reaper_456

Everyone is different. Like I have met and spoke to so many people it's one of the reasons why I chose to work in hospitality. You meet everyone, from poor, to stupid rich. It's why I used to

u/Cookiedestryr

I think it also portrays that facts that groups of ideologies stay more moderate, while echo chambers can amplify an idea into an ideology, regardless of its validity. And both parties (hell

u/Fifteen_inches

The crux of these issues is has always been if the nature of the disagreement. If we take the politics of a person that doesn’t involve inalienable identity then more for more obvious reasons

u/Reaper_456

Everyone is different. Like I have met and spoke to so many people it's one of the reasons why I chose to work in hospitality. You meet everyone, from poor, to stupid rich. It's why I used to

u/plinocmene

Thanks to the internet and algorithms those echo chambers have gotten worse.

u/Obzota

I want to believe there’s a bunch of reasonable people who just want decent living conditions. And the better strategy to change society might be to open some discussion about fighting inequa

u/[deleted]

[removed]

u/Fifteen_inches

The crux of these issues is has always been if the nature of the disagreement. If we take the politics of a person that doesn’t involve inalienable identity then more for more obvious reasons

u/Mudrlant

A sTUdY tHAt sUPportS a LiTTerAl GeNOciDe!!!!

u/Slavasonic

This is a single research study. It’s not telling you to do anything.

u/Calubalax

So people who socialize with people with different political beliefs are more likely to talk to people with different political beliefs? Wow mind blowing stuff here s/

u/Yashema

In the 1960s the statement: I don't want Black people to exist in the same space as me was considered politically cogent. Or that you couldn't rape your wife. Or that being gay should be ille

u/asstatine

It’s the engagement with them that reduces this though. Television news networks may have brought the first form of echo chambers back in the 80s, but social media amplified it to the extreme

u/GraceMDrake

I’m done trying to accommodate “friends” who say they don’t want to talk about politics but can’t stop blaming immigrants and trans people.

u/wileybot

People hole up in their homes, only interacting with their phones and delivery drivers, and here we are.

u/Recidivous

You're implying that the person you responded to didn't give them basic decency, but I assure you that there was probably no confrontation when cutting out people like them from our lives.

u/[deleted]

[removed]

u/CCV21

At least he had the caveat "until he attacked Poland". Nowadays some people won't even say that.

u/the_supreme_overlord

You'd think so but it just does not work out that way. Even when these conservatives know a trans person, that trans person. Just becomes "one of the good ones, not like all those other trans

u/CapoExplains

I have to question the cause and effect here. Isn't it more likely that someone with a diverse group of friends is going to be less "conservative" (ie. less aligned with Republican ideals of

u/patricksaurus

It means that friendship networks with political diversity tend to remain politically diverse. It’s not a trivial result.

u/MazW

I suppose not. Damn.

u/elpajaroquemamais

Right or if they don’t believe gay people should be able to get married they aren’t going to ever truly love a gay friend.

u/mvea

I’ve linked to the news release in the post above. In this comment, for those interested, here’s the link to the peer reviewed journal article: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1948

u/ninja-squirrel

I can have great relationships with people who are different from me politically. Having a difference in politics should amount to, different methods of better our community. When one of thos

u/Rithgarth

Comments section is cooked

u/jayfactor

If your first conversation with me is about politics I’m not interested in getting to know you further - left or right

u/JWAdvocate83

I can’t, in good conscience, befriend anyone who eats wings with blue cheese. Ranch is the superior choice, and it’s not even close.

u/austin06

Moron cult member.

u/ikaiyoo

Ahhh, yes, common ground. I want everyone's needs met, and you support deporting people in the US without due process. I totally see how not being in an echo chamber would facilitate that.

u/Liontreeble

But that's not even that far away from what the original commenter said, no? It still kinda boils down to "people are more likely to befriend people that are accepting of other people's views

u/MazW

Possible, but I remember him as quiet but sweet and the kind of guy who is like, "Don't listen to him" while nudging you with an elbow. But memories are faulty. My uncle had an ashtray that

u/wektor420

Maybe he was masking

u/PossessedToSkate

It seems that most families have this same type of uncle and, weirdly, they're generally named Larry.

u/eleven-fu

depends on what is meant by 'the other side'. I don't need to be sold on the benefits of having access to diverse perspectives any more than I need further evidence that the Earth orbits the

u/could_use_a_snack

All I'm saying is, if you are surrounded by a group of people that are for the same thing it's easier for you to just accept that it's normal. Either way. But if you are around people that ha

u/Golda_M

Insular vs open culture... in microcosm. People from insular circles develoo personalities and communication styles that are very grating to someone from outside of this circle. The cla

u/ChaosCron1

I think this is an astute interpretation of the research. Extremists beliefs tend to create feedback loops that further silo people's ideologies and worldviews due to a warped selection/conf

u/austin06

I’ve had “conservative” friends. I personally find it hard to be friends with people who lack critical thinking skills and see nothing wrong with electing rapists and caging human beings. But

u/mvea

I’ve linked to the news release in the post above. In this comment, for those interested, here’s the link to the peer reviewed journal article: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1948

u/Worldly_Car912

This seems like common sense.

u/Worldly_Car912

This seems like common sense.

u/Lower_Group_1171

A Nazi and I don’t have a difference of opinion. We have a completely different set of morals. I can’t be friends or even civil with a Nazi.

u/PossessedToSkate

It seems that most families have this same type of uncle and, weirdly, they're generally named Larry.

u/Confident_Counter471

They are choosing to be ignorant. That excuse worked before the internet, but not today. Those that choose to remain ignorant are an evil unto themselves as well

u/could_use_a_snack

Or, people who don't live in echo chambers are more likely to be friends with people who don't live in echo chambers.

u/toastedzergling

So all those folks giving advice to cut off your friends who don't 100% agree with your political views were short-sighted and wrong?

u/asstatine

It’s the engagement with them that reduces this though. Television news networks may have brought the first form of echo chambers back in the 80s, but social media amplified it to the extreme

u/wileybot

People hole up in their homes, only interacting with their phones and delivery drivers, and here we are.

u/ShockedNChagrinned

I think the depth of your relationship will change if the guiding principles of your life are vastly different. It's one thing to be cordial and give people respect as humans, until and u

u/could_use_a_snack

All I'm saying is, if you are surrounded by a group of people that are for the same thing it's easier for you to just accept that it's normal. Either way. But if you are around people that ha

u/MazW

Mine was Hugh :)

u/Rishfee

I think that generally points to the idea that politically diverse friend groups would tend to exclude extremists. While present political rhetoric is trending towards the extreme, specifical

u/MazW

Mine was Hugh :)

u/CCV21

At least he had the caveat "until he attacked Poland". Nowadays some people won't even say that.

u/[deleted]

[removed]

u/the_supreme_overlord

You'd think so but it just does not work out that way. Even when these conservatives know a trans person. That trans person just becomes "one of the good ones, not like all those other transe

u/Rithgarth

Comments section is cooked

u/That_Jicama2024

Algorythms ruined our ability to understand different opinions. You watch one youtube video about a truck and now you ONLY see truck videos. That's not how people get smarter.

u/Obzota

I want to believe there’s a bunch of reasonable people who just want decent living conditions. And the better strategy to change society might be to open some discussion about fighting inequa

u/capybooya

> it's easier to dehumanize someone you have never met or interacted with Yep, that's why they're fighting to remove them from various media, or don't even let them be able to exist in pu

u/chibinoi

Having friends from all walks of life and opinions is generally a good thing, at least in today’s social contract and social climate.

u/[deleted]

[removed]

u/Yashema

If you didn't learn from the disaster that was the George Bush administration how terrible Republican politics are on all fronts, not to mention reams of data showing that Democratic run stat

u/Golda_M

Insular vs open culture... in microcosm. People from insular circles develoo personalities and communication styles that are very grating to someone from outside of this circle. The cla

u/Username_MrErvin

.. or who are ok with rescinding birthright citizenship, want a moratorium on immigration, shrug off the BBB, think lgbt teachers are indoctrinating kids, think trans people are crazy people,

u/capybooya

> it's easier to dehumanize someone you have never met or interacted with Yep, that's why they're fighting to remove them from various media, or don't even let them be able to exist in pu

u/Yashema

I'm saying your belief system about how politics used to be is not true. We used to tolerate abject bigotry as a "difference in opinion", now we are saying we no longer can. Being friends wit

u/Gavorn

People in the comments seem to be confusing being a bigot with political sides. They are not the same thing. If John was a racist POS but voted the same way as you, does that mean you can sti

u/toastedzergling

So all those folks giving advice to cut off your friends who don't 100% agree with your political views were short-sighted and wrong?

u/ToWriteAMystery

I have nieces and nephews who got citizenship through birthright….I can’t even begin to think about what will happen to them when the Republicans make it go away.

u/seaspirit331

I mean think about it: why has right-wing propaganda been so effective at targeting the trans community? It's because it's easier to dehumanize someone you have never met or interacted with

u/HAL_9OOO_

Seriously. Political differences mean we disagree on capital gains tax rates. I have a difference of fundamental values with Republicans.

u/Yashema

If you didn't learn from the disaster that was the George Bush administration how terrible Republican politics are on all fronts, not to mention reams of data showing that Democratic run stat

u/CapoExplains

I have to question the cause and effect here. Isn't it more likely that someone with a diverse group of friends is going to be less "conservative" (ie. less aligned with Republican ideals of

u/Cookiedestryr

Hmmm, it’s almost like the Republican Party as a whole has been replaced by extremists and is no longer the party that actually cares for *conserving* American values? And I’m pretty sure you

u/SapirWhorfHypothesis

Alternative explanation: “Uncle Bob” was the source of your uncle’s racism and homophobia, and they managed to alienate every other friend they had until they were left only with each other.

u/[deleted]

[removed]

u/Moosetappropriate

So, in short , echo chambers are bad.

u/Talentagentfriend

That’s the issue. From their perspective, they probably think you think you’re better than them. That’s how we got into this mess in the first place. Othering people is how we get divided.

u/ikaiyoo

Ahhh, yes, common ground. I want everyone's needs met, and you support deporting people in the US without due process. I totally see how not being in an echo chamber would facilitate that.

u/eleven-fu

depends on what is meant by 'the other side'. No amount of their 'having black friends' is going to sway my interest in befriending a racist.

u/speedoboy17

You know there are also conservatives that don’t support Trump, right?

u/[deleted]

[removed]

u/Rithgarth

Comments section is cooked

u/DominarDio

Same. And it seems like an equally obvious conclusion (this person probably won’t treat me badly for my different opinions, they’re able to be friends with people with different opinions),

u/Yashema

You don't need to exist in an echo chamber to abhor the current Republican Party and everyone who supports it. In fact, the more you talk to Conservatives about their political views the more

u/RedditApothecary

Trans people just need to TALK to the bigots who want to genocide them, then all problems can be solved with compromise! Maybe just half of all trans people get genocided? Coonstitution bei

u/Solastor

This is my take away from the whole thing. People who don't have a life or death vested interest in politics or loved ones who do are more likely to say "Welp, politics doesn't always matter.

u/MetalSociologist

Center Right to Far Right people. Liberals are not Left, both they and conservatives are Right Wing.

u/jayfactor

If your first conversation with me is about politics I’m not interested in getting to know you further - left or right

u/garrus-ismyhomeboy

Would be very difficult to make an argument that there are. If you say you’re not a bigot or racist and yet support someone who is very much those two things then you obviously have no moral

u/weguccino

So they are more open to being friends with the other side if they are already friends with the other side… okay.

u/PossessedToSkate

It seems that most families have this same type of uncle and, weirdly, they're generally named Larry.

u/Worldly_Car912

This seems like common sense.

u/DirectorLarge2461

What was the biggest clue that he was gay ? Was it that he didn't ask your aunt to go fishing with you as well?

u/jayfactor

If your first conversation with me is about politics I’m not interested in getting to know you further - left or right

u/ShockedNChagrinned

I think the depth of your relationship will change if the guiding principles of your life are vastly different. It's one thing to be cordial and give people respect as humans, until and u

u/ikaiyoo

Ahhh, yes, common ground. I want everyone's needs met, and you support deporting people in the US without due process. I totally see how not being in an echo chamber would facilitate that.

u/DirectorLarge2461

What was the biggest clue that he was gay ? Was it that he didn't ask your aunt to go fishing with you as well?

u/Yashema

I'm saying your belief system about how politics used to be is not true. We used to tolerate abject bigotry as a "difference in opinion", now we are saying we no longer can. Being friends wit

u/ToWriteAMystery

Exactly. I can be friends with socialists and capitalists, but not with people who are anti-gay marriage or don’t believe in feminism.

u/RedditApothecary

Trans people just need to TALK to the bigots who want to genocide them, then all problems can be solved with compromise! Maybe just half of all trans people get genocided? Coonstitution bei

u/capybooya

> it's easier to dehumanize someone you have never met or interacted with Yep, that's why they're fighting to remove them from various media, or don't even let them be able to exist in pu

Origin Reddit Post

r/science

Liberals and conservatives were more open to befriending someone from the other side when that person had a politically diverse group of friends. Participants were less likely to dehumanize t

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