Dictionary.com defines "Echo Chamber" as, "an environment in which the same opinions are repeatedly voiced and promoted, so that people are not exposed to opposing views". These have become more than common place in not only the United States, but across the world. Whether it be public television or online, echo chambers are bound to be created if there is an opinion to be had. It could be the most insignificant topic in the world, but if people have differing opinions on something, then echo chambers will be formed. Most people are familiar with this concept in the mainstream media. CNN, MSNBC, FOX News, all echo chambers that preach and repeat the same opinions within their own circles to people who already agree with them. Another sources that is notorious for echo chambers is the online forum website Reddit. Whenever someone goes on and discusses and opposing opinion on one of the subreddits, many have described how the frequent readers get very heated when their ideas are challenged, are there are many accounts of hostility and very toxic behavior. This is largely in part to us as humans not liking having our ideas challenged. Especially today, when someone has their ideas challenged, they take it as a personal attack and do not want to hear it. This can be extremely detrimental to society as a whole. When no one is open to new ideas, or even to consider that somebody else may have a different opinion than their own, then there is hardly any room for progress. This is most evident in politics. So many people, not just the politicians, are unwilling to hear the opposing side of an issue, and therefore are not willing to reach a comprise that would be beneficial and appease everyone. Echo chambers only exacerbate this issue. You do not need to convince someone who already agrees with you. Not only that, but you are not gaining anything out of the conversation either. Now while it is good to confer with like minded people, completely cutting out differing mindsets is even more detrimental. If we want to advance this country politically and socially, we need to pull these networks and forums away from the echo chambers they have become, and push for more open discussion. Maybe then we will be able, or at least more willing to reach compromise, no matter how insignificant the argument may be.
https://www.dictionary.com/browse/echo-chamber?s=t
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