Divisions within our country our becoming deeper and more entrenched. The roots of this problem can be traced back to an ingroup bias that is hardwired inside us. The brain’s medial prefrontal cortex causes us to view others the same way we view ourselves. This results in ingroup bias: the tendency to see our group as the best group, and to avoid those who are unlike us. The way we use social media exacerbates this effect. In order to combat ingroup bias, we should try to see others as individuals, not as group members. One way to achieve this is to engage with those dissimilar to ourselves.
Key Takeaways:
- Social media has a very negative affect on people as it makes us isolate ourselves from others and be less social in person.
- It’s important to treat each person you come into contact with as an individual and not stereotype or prejudge them into a group.
- Finally, it’s important to speak to people and listen to others to gain a better perspective on humanity in general.
“Psychologists say it is easiest to stick with people whom we see as similar to ourselves. It requires more effort to step outside our bubble. So, we tend to associate with people who look or think like ourselves.”