Group polarisation

Group polarisation

Group polarisation is an exciting and relevant phenomenon in social psychology that sheds light on the behaviour of people in group situations. It describes the process by which the attitudes or decisions of a group become more extreme than the original, individual views of the members would suggest. Put simply, groups tend to drift towards a more extreme version of the average viewpoint that members initially held.

This phenomenon occurs in various contexts, whether in political discussion groups, management teams or even circles of friends. When a group of people who share similar views come together, they tend to make decisions that are more radical than those that each member would have made alone. This often happens unconsciously and can be influenced by various factors.

A key element of group polarisation is the desire for social recognition and belonging. People strive to be accepted by other group members, which can lead to them taking more extreme positions in order to show agreement and solidarity. In addition, the exchange of similar views within the group often reinforces the original inclinations, as opposing opinions are less present.

Another factor is exposure to new arguments or perspectives that support one's own opinion. In a group where similar views prevail, additional arguments and information are often presented that reinforce these views and thus lead to a more extreme stance.

The effects of group polarisation can be far-reaching. In political or social contexts, it can contribute to the emergence of extremism or deep ideological divisions. In corporate environments, it can lead to riskier decisions, as the sense of security in the group can reduce the perception of risk.

Interestingly, group polarisation is being reinforced by digital media and social networks these days. Online platforms tend to bring together people with similar views and provide a sounding board on which extreme opinions can spread faster and more strongly.

Group polarisation is therefore an important concept that helps to better understand dynamics within groups. It shows how important it is to consciously include opposing perspectives in discussions and decision-making processes in order to avoid one-sided and extreme tendencies. In a world that appears increasingly polarised, understanding this phenomenon offers valuable insights for promoting balanced and constructive dialogue.

To the glossary