Why GD-P is the way it is: Group Polarization

[auntpurl]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Group_polarization

A well-supported theory of social psychology:

"Group polarization is the phenomenon that when placed in group situations, people will make decisions and form opinions to more of an extreme than when they are in individual situations. The phenomenon has shown that after participating in a discussion group, members tend to advocate more extreme positions and call for riskier courses of action than individuals who did not participate in any such discussion."

In conjunction with the social comparison theory:

"The social comparison theory, or normative influence, has been widely used to explain group polarization. According to the social comparison interpretation, group polarization occurs as a result of individuals' desire to gain acceptance and be perceived in a favorable way by their group. The theory holds that people first compare their own ideas with those held by the rest of the group; they observe and evaluate what the group values and prefers. In order to gain acceptance, people then take a position that is similar to everyone else’s but a little more extreme. In doing so, individuals support the group’s beliefs while still presenting themselves as admirable group "leaders"."

Real-life applications of group polarization - The Internet:

"In a study conducted by Sia et al. in 2002, group polarization was found to occur with online (computer-mediated) discussions. In particular, this study found that group discussions, conducted when discussants are in a distributed (cannot see one another) or anonymous (cannot identify one another) environment, can lead to even higher levels of group polarization compared to traditional meetings. This is attributed to the greater numbers of novel arguments generated (due to persuasive arguments theory) and higher incidence of one-upmanship behaviors (due to social comparison)."

The only way to fix group polarization is to break up the group. THAT is why so many Hillary supporters are looking forward to the end of the primaries. Not because we want to stifle discussion or because we want people not to have their vote count. But because when the post-primary rules are enforced after the nominee is chosen (assuming it is Hillary), Bernie supporters will have to break back out of the mob and re-examine their own individual conscience and ethics. They will not have constant group support for more and more extreme expressions of hatred against Hillary, expressions they would be unlikely to make if they were making them alone.

Just my thoughts as a psychologist.

[GusBob]

1. Interesting

Definitely see the one upmanship. Or dowmanship as times it's a race to the bottom

I think one way is to stop the dehumanizing, focus on the individual as mentioned above, but in a personal way. Kid got sick, death in the family, hit by natural disaster....or in a positive way, promoted at work, a child is born, got married, for example. Real life things not artificial gamesmanship

This takes away the conflict or the argument and puts things in a different real life personal perspective. Readjust the priorities to things that really matter

The DU lounge used to be like that

I'd like to see in the Hill group a weekly "Happy Hour" where we talk about anything but politics and discuss what's going on in our personal lives

Perhaps if we got to know each other as a group in a way other than our politics it would bring a different spirit, more altruistic If the other side could see us a people and not avatars it my alter their perceptions. Same the other way, if we could see a softer than snark personality

On the flip side we would defend each other more and make our conflict with the other group
more intense as we rush to the defense of our comrades

I'm a people person that way. There sure are some interesting ones in this group

Good Morning Auntpurl

[Lucinda]

2. I've said since day one of my time at DU, that there is a ton of good

dissertation material to be found in these forums.

Totally agree with you, and your last paragraph sums up my feelings perfectly.

[Thinkingabout]

3. And if one doesn't succumb to the will of the group, then all are expected to

Pound the unwilling with stones to get the submission. I see, guess it is a better idea to not become a part of the group. Maybe this is the reason the Trump rally was canceled, two different groups who are trying to conquer the world.

Thanks for your post, I will stay out of their way.

[pandr32]

12. Exactly right!

Both groups have too much testosterone and red bull at these events. Getting scary.

[yallerdawg]

4. This explains an aspect of why the extreme is favored in "caucus voting."

First, they show up as extension of their group-think, and then reinforce some and intimidate others.

Distorted results.

[DURHAM D]

5. Definitely.

At my caucus an AA grandmother brought her two granddaughters ages 11 and 12 to watch the process. The girls were excited to be there. They left before the vote was taken because the BSers were heckling them. The girls were crying.

Another woman with her 6-7 year old daughter also left because they were being trash talked. In both cases they were close to the area where the BS supporters were and there was not enough space for them to get away from it. They were both crying. There were probably more incidents of this type but I just happened to speak with both of these mothers.

I also spoke with a man who was there with his two year old daughter as he left the auditorium to wait in the lobby. He had called his wife to come get their daughter (she left work) so that he could stay and vote. He was frustrated and very angry at the way his daughter was being treated.

I assume they (the BS supporters) were very proud.

[DemonGoddess]

7. I am so very

sorry that people had to go through that at your caucus. It must have been disheartening for you to witness this.

[DemonGoddess]

6. K&R!

[DesertRat]

8. Thank you

Very interesting!

[NurseJackie]

9. Last paragraph: Perfect. Thank you.

The only way to fix group polarization is to break up the group. THAT is why so many Hillary supporters are looking forward to the end of the primaries. Not because we want to stifle discussion or because we want people not to have their vote count. But because when the post-primary rules are enforced after the nominee is chosen (assuming it is Hillary), Bernie supporters will have to break back out of the mob and re-examine their own individual conscience and ethics. They will not have constant group support for more and more extreme expressions of hatred against Hillary, expressions they would be unlikely to make if they were making them alone.

I try to remain optimistic. We'll see if this comes to pass.

[SharonClark]

10. I've long thought that as well

Groups, depending on the dynamics and leadership, can bring out the very worst in people whether it is lead by a politician, a preacher, or a drunk at a football game.

[UtahLib]

11. K&R for the obvious truth.

[book_worm]

13. DU has always been dominated by the far left: Socialists, Greens

Not that there aren't Democrats here but that is just the way it is. They dominate the primary page and push their tallies up. I'm sure Skinner, unlike KOS, decides to let all their anti-Democratic anti-HRC posting go until a nominee is chosen (unlike KOS) because they are higher in numbers and so their monetary contributions are higher. I hate to say it but that is the only reason I can see for allowing day after day attack after attack on a true Democrat and the potential first female nominee.

[charlyvi]

14. It's a hive mind. n/t