ANDIKA CHALLENGE
THEIR Opinions in YOUR Voice
Short notes on online discourse
People don’t want to listen. They just want to hear that you agree with them. So much of online discourse is people wanting to hear THEIR opinions in YOUR voice.
A lot of discourse falls apart before it’s even begun because of this.
Even the most open-minded among us prefer views that align with their pre-existing notions of the world. The world is complex and your brain prefers simplicity. Your brain’s default is: “let’s stick with what we know.” And it’s up to you to challenge your views if you are to grow. It’s up to you to seek viewpoints that expand your understanding.
Broadly, this is part of confirmation bias. The tendency/preference to seek, interpret and remember most of the stuff that confirms your prior beliefs. We all do it. You are wise if you guard yourself against it.
Online, this is multiplied by filter bubbles and echo chambers. Yaani, the way algorithms za Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc work is they “help you” personalize and curate content. Then they just feed you stuff you’ve previously shown you like. This isolates you from alternate viewpoints.
And since as a human you’re already starting with confirmation bias, your views become more and more deeply engrained over time.
Couple this with the fact that we started with… That people just want to hear THEIR own opinions repeated in YOUR voice… You can see why so much of online discourse is negative and rage-filled.
You? Actively seek out viewpoints that challenge yours. Take frequent stock of your biases. And don’t argue with trolls online. Unless you get a kick out of it. ;)
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