Living In An Echo Chamber

[jazzophis]

I find myself doing this alot, especially on points that cannot be proven, such as, does God exist. Its hard to look at yourself and see how stubborn you can be.

[kickAbooJoyjuice]

LSD?

[Zea107]

A lack of critical individuality?

[sam72998]

wtf are u talking about

[QX999]

That echo chamber analogy: not original but useful. Your video could have been much condensed. If all we hear are echoes of what's already in our minds, how can we know anything new? Cognitive dissonance: there's more to it: creative genius has been defined as beginning with the ability to hold two contradictory thoughts in the mind at the same time. Hamlet: a portrait of cognitive dissonance. Polonius: a portrait of the lack thereof, hence shallow answers.

[vancouver57]

Incidentally, here in Canada, everything politically is shifted about 30% to the Left. A federal election will likely be called within days, held before yours actually. Throughout it we will have reporters pretending to be unbiased but clearly shaping every story to defeat the ruling Conservative Party. This WILL happen, yet everyone left of centre will deny it.

[Toopax]

You are talking about us being more more separated. Separation is one of the key to grow. At the beginning we are one with the mother and then there is a fusion when we gain strength and insurance. Ultimately, we will develop our own way of thinking. We need that fractionality to hear different stories and discover different things. We should be like electrons jumping between various beliefs and different culture.

Thinking of that, may be we just ought to look at things with our both eyes open.

[tlg847]

The strength in diversity is bringing it together to inform one another. If we actually did jump orbits, as you've described it, it would be great. Unfortunately, I see us spinning in our own with no contact with one another unless forced. Thanks.

[StLennyBruce]

If you're asking people to stop cognitive dissonance (and information distortion or, worse, compartmentalization), then you're asking people be uncomfortable and extraordinary. Even genius. As if a warm and toasty conclusion is to be treated as hot stove coil. Like asking someone, "Can you just be an artist, so we can have a better conversation?"

And that's so you, Tom.

You're a conversation junkie.

What would happen if you actually TRIED to make terrible conversation?

[tlg847]

What a nice compliment. Thanks so much. Hey, would you like to join us on VloggerHeads? PM me an email address if you would. I think you'd love it.

[kenrg]

Narrowcasting as opposed to broadcasting. Find the faithful and tell 'em what they want to hear. We find it reassuring to not have our views questioned, and the media outlets are thrilled to be able to get brand loyalty from pushing one or another point of view.

Everybody's happy, but nobody's talking. Perhaps a little unhappiness is called for from time to time.

[longhairred]

Granted I do live in an echo chamber too, and you can learn a lot about my personal biases just by looking at my subscriptions. Same for most of the channels here.

What I do try to do though, is read and watch the responses and often get lost in cyberspace following the links to learn more about the topic and other points of view. Does it change my mind? Not often, but it has on occasion.

Thanks for making me think. Again...

[ShiekUrBooty]

"information refusal" This is a phenom that I run into all the time and you're correct about groups of people "echoing" beliefs within the group. Having many friends that are members of professional and social groups, IE; skydivers, gun owners, medical professionals, aviation and police/criminal justice professionals, criminals, etc. I have experienced exactly what you are trying to describe.

I attempt to avoid perceptual filter distortion by discovery of FACTS first, if at all possible.

[richardweekes]

Very interesting video and question Tom. I only watch your videos because you wonder about peculiar stuff :-).

I definitely see this at work in myself. And though I try to be open-minded - I really don't want to be continually questioning and changing my world view. I want to relax without people threatening my world view.

Who wants to be probed at and examined by doctors everyday? Who wants to be weathering hurricanes every week? Not me.

[hellyersonline]

Is this the same sort of idea that we were taught about in Sociology and Politics? We were told about the theories why people buy certain newspapers... one of which is the reinforcement theory. Basically some people only buy the newspaper which reinforces the opinion they already hold.

It's good to question things, but at the same time I think it's also good to make firm decisions becuase otherwise you can't achieve anything because you would be riddled with indecision.

Good vid

[corinna000]

Great video, Tom. I'm tossing this into my favorites pile.

[tlg847]

Thanks very much.

[httprover]

It may be that instead of blocking information that we do not want to deal with, we do not hear-recognize-comprehend what is being said or presented to us. And it may be that what we do accept receives credence from its source. In effect, a lack of critical thinking makes us vunerable to recruitment efforts. Differences can divide. We choose to belong to something and tend to ingore difficult questions which need to be asked but nobody has a satisfactory answer to.

An Inconvenient Truth?

[tlg847]

I think both are true. Bias affects perception, certainly. But cog dis is post-perceptual. Inconvenient Truth is a perfect example.

[strypzstarz]

I enjoy the interchange and interesting discussions from a wide variety of opinions. I've been a true believer--on BOTH SIDES in the span of boomer years.

I'm reminded of folks who speak with such conviction from the quietude of their homes in Tiburon, Woodside, Greenwich. Lib ideals make SUCH sense when one doesn't have meth factories and gangs shooting it out next door.

I'm here, after all these years of SF DEM-agoguery, cheering Horowitz, Sowell, Medved & tonight. . . Renetto.

[NewChannels]

I've only seen two of your

Videos. But, so far you seem like a pretty cool guy to me.

Great vlog. Thanks for sharing.

[2of6Solutions]

I do experience this in myself, I even have a phrase which alerts me to moments when it is happening: "you are not a real (insert label here)". That's my way of keeping my limited point of view. I started doing this when I was twelve so I am pretty good at it now Tom. Cheers!

[tooomp]

The verdict is out on global warming, and who was behind 911. I've even heard that Osama Bin Laden is not wanted by the FBI for the attacks. These are lingering questions that need to be answered with actual facts.

What we do know is that there could never be conclusive evidence of Chemical and Nuclear weapons in Iraq, unless those weapons had actually existed. For this reason, we can safely call president Bush a liar and responsibly question every statement and every action he takes.

[dallasINtokyo]

you forgot "well hi, it's Tom"

[TheMathGuy]

It's also very tempting to get emotional about your point of view, especially when your opponent is doing so! I just finished reading Carl Sagan's "The Demon Haunted World" and I was impressed at the way he managed walk the fine balance and represent different points of view accurately. I think this is easier to do in science than in social issues because you can test things much more precisely, take measurements, etc. You can't "prove" political questions like you "prove" the law gravity.

[TheMathGuy]

It is strange, to be sure. I find myself with a radically different world view than what I grew up believing, and yet I still catch myself being closed off to other ideas or saying "How can someone possibly believe that!" only to realize that I myself once believed it. If anyone should be able to understand how something can be believed, you would think it would be someone who has actually held that belief themselves. But it's like the brain can't think in two different modes simultaneously.

[LilCav68]

I'm echoing a lot of what has been said. (out of steam right now for something more formal)

:0)

[tlg847]

He's way over the top, that's for sure. I Tivo Charlie Rose every night. Not all that crazy about McGlaughlin. Good to hear from you!

[Gimmeaflakeman]

Hey, Tom.

I spend a good deal of time thinking of odd stuff too.

Alternative ideas are hard to find.

I remember cognitive dissonance...but do not remember it well.

Refusing to consider information is how we protect ourselves.

How do we help each other? It has to be a choice to go against your own instinct.

I've done it. It is interesting but difficult. I think I took it on as a challenge.

[tlg847]

I think, as you say, you almost have to take it on as a development project, Victor. Otherwise, habit/inertia will get the better of us.

[New2UToob]

I'm a conservative Republican living in Connecticut. Believe me when I tell you, I am surrounded by people who have very different views than I do; the media is very liberal; even my friends tend to be far more liberal than I. By being around opposing views, it forces me to really think through what it is I think and why it is I think that way. I like it that way - and it keeps the conversation very lively!!

[tlg847]

I'm genuinely happy to hear that you have the opportunity to hone your viewpoint in the context of a supportive, challenging context. Cool.

[dexarouskies]

I try to keep an open mind, until the truth becomes overwhelmingly apparent. After that point, I consider a waste of resources to look at information that I consider nonsense. For example, nobody even bothers to research cigarette smoking, since it it well established that it has health consequences. There is only research on second hand smoke etc to complete the story. If someone tries to convince me that it is harmless, I consider a waste of precious time.

[tlg847]

Garry, I am so violently in agreement with you here that it's scary! See you on VH.

[janetathensbay]

Anyway, I am a swimmer, so I sometimes find myself swimming in circles trying to find the shore:):)

[tlg847]

The "identify and evaluate" pattern recognition and response mechanisms that have evolved in our neurophysiology are clearly at work in the issues we're discussing. Very perceptive comments. Thanks. Swim on!

[janetathensbay]

Therefore, it is logical that most people are quick to have a 'gut' reaction to a n idea that they feel threatened by. It is easier to just retain the 'safe' belief without stopping and considering the possibility that a new concept may be a 'safe' option. Does this make sense? We are all just a bit 'lazy' to take the time to do the homework why bother? why rock the boat? I like this boat it's still floating it's getting me where I want to go so why change in the middle of the stream?

[janetathensbay]

I believe that it is withing the nature of all animals to form a 'generalization' about something that is new, such as when we encounter a new person or a new place or in this case a new idea. This is a response that is programmed into your 'natural defense mechanism' in order to 'survive' a possible attack from a hostile enemy or situation.

[smallmaniac]

The way to overcome this is to remove all preconceived notions that the whole existence of another view is to combat our own. It's like we're in a war and only our brothers in arms will save us and everyone else is trying to kill us. I always believe in agreeing to disagree. Another thing...why, as the most intelligent beings on Earth, can't we argue without getting hostile? The number one cause of a closed mind is ignorance, but the second cause is perceived hostility. We do need serious help.

[tlg847]

That is true. See the comment by janeththensbay below. Very insightful, IMO.

[xleax]

2:25 "We only assosiate with other people all of whom are echoing our own beliefs and thoughts"

Well yeah I agree with you.. And if that is always the case then that has some very bad implications for Barack Obama cus of his past assosiations with people like Jeremiah Wright and Michael Pfleger.

[tlg847]

Taking our whole circle of relationships is probably wise. I have a feeling that was an example of selective perception on your part. Right?

[xleax]

sure, first thing that popped into my mind was Obama's assosiations. I don't think he's that crazy though.

And by the way, your ignoring Obama's assosiations is also a selective perception. But then again I don't really know how do you explain his past assosiations.

But yeah we're all like that. As you take a position you limit your perception.

Maybe it would be an interesting experiment for you to watch The O'Reilly Factor. I love that show.

[tlg847]

Oh yeah, sounds like us watching O'Reilly together would be quite a scene!

I hope I made it clear that I am not at all immune to this affliction. It's a tough thing to keep an open mind.

[Chilldogg]

Ignorance is bliss, but hardening of the attitudes is deadly. A wise person seeks many diverse opinions and continues to adjust and refine what is HIS or HER truth.

-PG

[tlg847]

Ah, yes. We're very fortunate to live in such a beautiful place.

[zackspoopies]

I put my hands over my ears and screamed LALALALALA for this whole video. It got tiring after eight minutes!

[tlg847]

lol I laughed out loud when I read this. Thanks!

[JustaMidwesternGuy]

Here I thought I was becoming a cranky old codger. Now I know that I am a cranky old codger with a disonance problem, and I'm not even old or that old yet.

I had recognized that I was experiencing a serious hardening of the attitudes. Figured anyone that didn't share my views was either very short sighted or an idiot. Started watched folks with different viewpoints. Find it very wearisome and wearing. Now I watch less of the opposing but try to come up with their reasoning.

[tlg847]

"Hardening of the attitudes..." so true. Guessing what the other side will say is a fun game, isn't it? Thanks.

[ShermerIllinois]

I highly recommend "Psychology of Intelligence Analysis" by Richards J. Heuer, Jr. (free PDF and web version at cia(dot)gov). It's the first result if you Google it.

It's probably very basic if you're a professional psychologist or something, but for a lay person it's very practical. Lots of insights into the natural failings of the human thought process with ways to avoid or mitigate them. Pretty interesting read.

[tlg847]

I'll check it out. Thanks.

[CanadianNinjaMonkey]

Complicating things further is the disinformation that we're faced with from people who know they're deceitful but want to serve an agenda. Also, people put so much time into filtering through information (since we have so much of it to filter through) that once they've formed beliefs there's a natural resistance against having to re-evaluate information that they may or may not find impacting or even relevant. It's easier to swallow the pill that claims to make us feel all better.

[trafficdreamer]

DEEP.

[vancouver57]

While ideally that sounds great, he was trying to imply that he had NO BIAS and thus his opinion was more valid than mine. It's been some time since I've heard someone be THAT arrogant.

Want to guess what the topic was and what his political views were?

[tlg847]

Loaded last sentence/question, but my mind immediately formulated an answer. Psychological research indicates that those holding strongly conservative views hold the position you cite.

[vancouver57]

Nope. He's a devout "progressive" who believes that the U.S. is the worst country in the world. But I would agree with you that a Fundamentalist Christian Republican would also have such an arrogant view of themselves. Would the latter ever think they have no bias though? I wonder.

[tlg847]

The ends of the extreme curl around to meet one another, don't they? Thanks.

[vancouver57]

Indeed they do, Tom. To the average citizen, what's the difference between a Fascist or a Communist government? Massive oppression in both cases.

Getting back to the theme of your video, I think what the U.S. needs to do to heal itself is for moderates on BOTH sides of the divide to accept that their are close-minded extremists in their own party and to speak out against them as vehemently as one would against the extremists on the other team.

[tlg847]

THAT would be a great moment...are we still capable of such things? I hope so.

[vancouver57]

Tom, the other day I received this comment on something I had written: "One needs to view [issues] with complete impartial objectivity that is free of bias in order to see the whole picture accurately. In doing so, it makes it easier to try to view events from multiple points of view so that one can try to understand the motivations behind the actions taking place."

[tlg847]

When I saw this comment, and not the second one, I was about to write, "well, that's great if you're a machine..." People are not machines and, therefore, NEVER perceive without "bias."

[smmashes]

i do agree with this to some degree, but not entirely. i have noticed that we make observations based on our own beliefs. for example, if we expect someone to act in a certain way we will notice when they do act that way and not pay attention to when they do not (i wish i could make a vid instead of typing right now bc i have a lot to say), but i know that i personally make extra effort to read and watch things that i do not agree with. i may not subscribe- but i will search other vids out

[tlg847]

Yes, beliefs don't just shape thoughts (cognitive dissonance) but they also shape perceptions. We see what we believe.

[marjan15]

Be open and be sceptical for all information would be my advice. Double check given data and even then don't consider anything 100% proven fact. You can only be certain to some degree and that is just fine. :)

[tlg847]

Easy to say; hard to do!

[marjan15]

Well check Bayesian probability - better view of the world. It is 'easier' to understand more and be more honest than to understand less and pretend.

[renetto]

Try watching Fox News... fair and balanced. From now on you'll be getting all the view points on the important subjects of the day... not just the ones that Echo your preconceived notions. It worked for me!

[tlg847]

I do...I chain myself to a chair and watch Sean Hannity...for about 30 seconds before running, screaming, from the room!! I would suggest you develop an appreciation for Keith Olberman!

[RustleAbout]

Tom! Hannity RAWKS! He's the sane half of Hannity & Combs!

[tlg847]

lol. Honestly, I never watch them, so I don't really know. All I do know is every time I do see or hear him, I shake my head and turn him off.

[RustleAbout]

It's all good. lol  This was a great vid btw. Lots of interesting thoughts.

[smmashes]

fox is fair and balanced??

[JustaMidwesternGuy]

That explains it.

[vintagegarden]

No Renetto, say it isn't so-not Fox news! I refuse to watch them-ever. But then I don't watch any of the t.v. news shows if I can help it. I get my news & info on the internet. But you are right Tom, I do like it best when I find news & info that supports my belief system, lol! :)

p.s. 911 was an inside job.