How to overcome group polarization and think for yourself
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Chris Mosunic, PhD, RD, MBA
Could group polarization be affecting your critical thinking skills? Learn more about this psychological concept and 6 tips to help you think for yourself.
Think about how incredible it feels to meet people who share your interests, values, and beliefs. It’s intoxicating to feel like part of a community — and since the advent of social media, you’re always just a click away from finding people who really seem to “get” your point of view.
Being in these types of echo chambers can have a downside, though. Sometimes being surrounded by people who think like us can make us more extreme in our opinions — without us even realizing it. When this happens, it’s known as group polarization.
Group polarization can impact how we think, act, and interact with others. And while it has obvious downsides, it’s not necessarily bad. Still, it can prevent us from seeing things clearly. Here’s what you need to know.
What is group polarization?
Group polarization is a social psychology term for when people in communities shift toward more extreme positions after they have discussions.
Imagine a group of friends who all agree that saving the environment is important. After having conversations around the topic, they might all feel even more passionate, and some might decide to make major lifestyle changes they hadn’t considered before.
While group polarization is most common in political discussions, it can also happen in workplaces, social circles, and online communities. Also, it’s not always a bad thing — group polarization can motivate us to take action as a force for good. But of course, it can also lead to more division and less open-mindedness.
Group polarization vs groupthink
Although group polarization and groupthink sound similar, they’re actually very different.
Group polarization happens when people in a group strengthen their original beliefs after discussing them with like-minded peers. They usually end up taking a more extreme stance than they had before.
Groupthink is when people feel it’s more important to agree with a group than express their own opinions. Members may downplay different views to avoid conflict — even if they have valid points. The result can be bad decision-making and narrower viewpoints, because the group values agreement over accuracy or effectiveness. Struggling to stay true to yourself? These 14 tips can help.
4 types of group polarization (with examples)
Group polarization can look different depending on the situation and the people involved. Let’s dive into a few ways it can present in real life.
1. Attitude polarization
Sometimes people in a group become more certain of their views after discussing them with other like-minded people.
Say you’re part of a group chat where everyone’s mildly critical of a new school policy. After discussing it for a while, the group can get riled up, and by the end of the conversation, your thinking may have shifted from, “The policy has some issues,” to “This is a terrible policy and it should be reversed immediately!”
2. Risky shift
In some cases, group discussions can embolden people to make riskier decisions than they would have originally.
Imagine you and your friends are considering investing money in a new company. The payoff might be huge — but it could also fail, and you’d be out a lot of money. If left to your own devices, you might hesitate, given the risks involved. But if you discuss it with your like-minded pals, you might start to feel more optimistic and decide to move forward with the investment — even though it wasn’t something anyone would have done alone.
3. Cautious shift
Of course, the opposite can happen too. After discussing a situation with a group, you may become more risk-averse.
Imagine that your family is thinking about going on a vacation that’s a bit out of your budget. At first, some of your relatives are open to the idea, but after a long discussion about potential costs, the conversation shifts. By the end, your family may decide to avoid the risk altogether and not to take the trip after all. (Pro tip: If you want to be more mindful with your money, start here.)
4. Social identity polarization
This occurs when people who share a common identity—like political parties or fan communities—become more extreme in their beliefs because of group interactions. Social media platforms often fuel this by showing users more content that reinforces their existing views.
Say you’re part of an online community that supports a particular political party. You may start out with moderate views that align with the group’s overall message. But after engaging with others who think the way you do, you might start to take on more extreme positions that match the group’s identity more closely. This can lead to stronger beliefs and a deeper sense of loyalty to the group, but it can also mean you’re less likely to consider other perspectives.
What are the benefits and drawbacks of group polarization?
Validation feels great (obviously!) but it’s important to be sure that it’s not closing you off to other ways of thinking. Look out for signs of group polarization so you can stay mindful, open-minded, and connected with others — even when you disagree.
Benefits of group polarization:
Encourages action: When people become more passionate about a cause after group discussions, they may be more likely to take meaningful action, like joining a campaign or making lifestyle changes.
Strengthens group cohesion: People who share strong, similar beliefs tend to feel more connected, which can create a sense of belonging.
Builds confidence: Sharing views with like-minded people can reinforce your values and help you stand firm, especially when you feel uncertain or are pressed to defend your beliefs.
Drawbacks of group polarization:
Increases extremism: Over time, group polarization can lead to more extreme viewpoints, making compromise or balanced discussion harder.
Creates echo chambers: When people are surrounded by those who agree with them, they’re less likely to seek out or consider alternative perspectives.
Sows division: Polarization can lead to “us vs. them” mentalities, deepening divides between groups.
Can lead to poor decision-making: When people in a group reinforce each other’s beliefs without considering alternatives, they may make riskier choices that aren’t fully thought out.
How to avoid group polarization: 6 mindful tips to help you think for yourself
While group polarization can be a natural part of group dynamics, it’s important to stay aware of how it can influence your thinking. Being in a group where everyone shares the same opinion can feel validating, but it can also make it harder to see things from different perspectives.
The most important part of any major decision or thought experiment is staying true to yourself. Here are some tips to help you learn how to stay connected with others while keeping your critical thinking sharp and your thoughts your own.
1. Practice active listening
When you're in a group discussion, make a conscious effort to really listen to what others are saying, instead of just waiting for your turn to speak or thinking about how you’ll respond. Pay attention to the content of the conversation and how it makes you feel.
Ask yourself if you're genuinely considering new ideas, or if you're just reinforcing what you already believe. This can help you remain open-minded and less likely to automatically agree with a group’s more extreme views. These eight active listening techniques can help you improve your communication.
Try this: Next time you’re having a conversation, reflect on what was said. If you can, ask a follow-up question to clarify or explore a different angle. This can help encourage a more thoughtful dialogue and help everyone involved think more critically.
💙 Be fully present during your conversations by practicing Mindful Listening during this session with Tamara Levitt.
2. Avoid echo chambers
When we only pay attention to people who agree with us, it can reinforce our views and stop us from questioning them. Look out for this on social media, where algorithms tend to show us content that aligns with our interests and beliefs. This can make it harder to understand other perspectives and easier to become more extreme.
Try this: Follow a mix of accounts, or join discussions with people who have different experiences or viewpoints. Instead of unfollowing or muting someone who disagrees with you, try engaging in a respectful conversation to understand where they're coming from. This can help keep your online world balanced so you can avoid being trapped in a bubble. Need a break from scrolling altogether? Try these 12 ways to detox from social media.
3. Challenge your own beliefs
It's easy to get comfortable in your own views, especially when you're surrounded by people who agree with you. Regularly ask yourself why you believe what you believe to help you think more critically and independently — and make sure you're not just going along with the group for the sake of agreement.
Try this: When you feel strongly about an issue, ask yourself, Why do I believe this? Where did this opinion come from? You might find that some of your beliefs are based on assumptions or limited information. Play "devil's advocate" with yourself or discuss the opposite viewpoint with someone who respectfully disagrees. This can push you to think more deeply and strengthen your ability to see all sides of an issue.
4. Pause before reacting
When group discussions get lively or emotional, it’s easy to get swept up in the moment and react without thinking. But when this happens, you may express extreme opinions or make rash decisions without giving yourself time to reflect.
Try this: If you feel yourself getting caught up in a heated group conversation, take a few deep breaths before you respond. Remember, no matter how angry you might be, you don’t have to rush to react. Give yourself time to think about your response and whether it aligns with your own values, rather than the momentum of the group. And if you already know that you’re a reactive person, here are five tips to help you slow down.
5. Set personal boundaries
Sometimes, there’s nothing you can do to keep a group from moving in a more extreme direction. It’s okay to set boundaries and step back when you feel a conversation or group dynamic is becoming unhealthy. Prioritize your mental and emotional wellbeing to help you think clearly and independently.
Try this: If you find a group is pushing you in a direction you’re not comfortable with, it’s fine to disengage. Excuse yourself from a discussion, or take a break from certain social media groups and chats. Set boundaries to protect yourself from getting swept into polarized thinking, so you give yourself the space to reflect on your own views.
💙 Explore how to identify and set personal Boundaries with help from Tamara Levitt’s Relationship with Others series.
6. Encourage open dialogue
When people feel safe to express differing opinions without fear of judgment, it’s easier to have more balanced discussions. Instead of shutting down or dismissing alternative viewpoints, make space for a variety of ideas.
Try this: In group conversations, model curiosity and openness. Ask questions like, “What do you think about this?” or “Can you explain why you feel that way?” This shows others you’re open to hearing different perspectives, which can inspire more thoughtful and respectful discussions.
Group polarization FAQs
What causes group polarization to occur?
Group polarization happens for two main reasons, and they’re both normal parts of human behavior. You may have experienced them yourself.
Social comparison: In a group of people who share views, there’s often pressure to fit in. If the people around you start to adopt more extreme views, you might subconsciously do the same.
Informational influence: When we encounter new arguments or information that support our existing beliefs, we only become more confident in how we think. The more supporting arguments you hear, the more confident you become in your stance, which can lead to more extreme views.
What is an example of group polarization in real life?
Political discussions, especially online, might be the most common example of group polarization.
Let’s say you join an online group of environmentalists. You may be interested in learning more about recycling and composting, but after reading posts, having discussions, and seeing others post their views about the importance of saving the planet, you might find yourself becoming more passionate about the topic. Rather than simply backing certain policies, you might start taking a stricter position, dismissing compromises or any differing perspectives.
This can happen because you’re constantly surrounded by like-minded people who reinforce your beliefs and provide new reasons to feel more strongly about them. The conversation gets more intense, and without realizing it, your own views shift further in that direction — even if they didn’t start out that way.
Can group polarization be reduced in social media settings?
Group polarization can be reduced on social media, but it needs effort from both users and the platforms.
Algorithms are a big issue. By showing you more of what you already agree with, social media platforms can create echo chambers where viewpoints are reinforced, and rarely challenged.
To counter this, follow accounts or groups that offer different perspectives or look for articles and posts from other viewpoints. This approach can help keep you open to new ideas and prevent your views becoming too extreme.
What are the long-term societal impacts of group polarization?
Over time, group polarization can create deeper social divisions. The long-term result is a more divided, less cooperative society prone to conflict.
When people within groups adopt more extreme views, an “us vs. them” mentality can emerge, where people see other groups as enemies rather than simply people with differing opinions. This can make communication, compromise, and finding common ground more difficult.
As polarization grows, conflicts between groups may intensify, sparking more widespread division and conflict. And if you’re dealing with a toxic person who might be experiencing the negative sides of group polarization, explore how the grey rock method can help you deal.
Polarization can also erode trust. When people hold extreme views, they’re less likely to trust those outside their group — including institutions, media, or even friends and family who disagree. This can fuel misinformation, escalate conflicts, and hold back our collective ability to tackle critical issues like climate change or public health.
How does group polarization differ from other decision-making biases like the confirmation bias?
Group polarization and confirmation bias are related, but they function differently.
Group polarization can happen when discussions with like-minded people make your opinions more extreme. It's about how the group dynamic intensifies your beliefs, pushing you to adopt a stronger stance than you might have alone.
Confirmation bias, on the other hand, is an individual tendency to seek out or focus on information that supports our existing beliefs, while ignoring contradictory evidence. It can happen whether you're in a group or not.
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