as small as a world and as large as alone, lichgem: hellnoradfems: Things Tumblr should...

3:47pm May 25, 2014

hellnoradfems:

Things Tumblr should learn

Putting a note here that I’d like a transcript for this. I might make it myself when I can concentrate on it.

Transcript as follows (and hell yeah to whoever wrote this, there’s a couple points that I might disagree with a little but overall this is much of what I’ve been seeing wrong with some communities within tumblr and other places online that I’ve been, and some of this is far better worded than I’ve been able to word things):

Cats in Tophats Explain Why Echo Chambers are Harmful

Pretty much all movements have them.

Echo chambers are everywhere.

Most of us have accidentally been in one before.

An echo chamber is when a viewpoint is rehashed over and over in a closed “system”, with all opposing views being drowned out.

There’s nothing wrong with having steadfast views.

But echo chambers can have some unintended consequences and can create toxic environments.

The biggest problem with echo chambers is that they create an “You’re either with us, or against us” environment, which closes the group off from criticism.

Most problems with echo chambers stem from this one.

This leads to misinformation, swell as some crummy behaviors within the group. It can also lead to bullying.

This can make people ignore facts by automatically dismissing anything that may disturb the group’s worldview. By cutting off outside influence, the group can become more and more isolated, which can cause it to lose perspective.

This is often how groups come to hold extreme viewpoints. Far-right, far-left, and religious zealotry can sometimes stem from echo chambers.

Many viewpoints gradually become more and more detached from the rest of the real world. This is also major cause of arguments coming from “Academics In Ivory Towers” lacking perspective.

Too often, echo chambers lead to bullying. Anyone with an opposing view, or even with a question or point perceived to be an opposing view, risks being shunned by the group and also keeps quiet, perpetuating the problem.

Many people then only hold radical views to stay in the group.

This prevents healthy discourse. Opposition allows people to consider their point of view and develop better arguments.

There are a few signs that can help you spot an echo chamber.

Viewpoints gradually become more and more radical and/or detached from the rest of the world.

Anyone with any opposing view isn’t debated on the merits of their argument, but rather attacked using exaggerated language or labels.

Everyone in your group is only focused on one issue without entertaining others or how they may interplay.

Keep in mind that the opinions of an echo chamber may not be wrong.

You never see an opposing view.

If someone says something you don’t agree with, you cut them out of your life or never look at the source again.

You find yourself only agreeing with others out of fear.

Thank you for your time!

If you’re in an echo chamber, it’s probably not a good idea to stay there.