Ideological self segregation

Date and country of first publication

2014
Germany

Definition

Ideological self-segregation refers to the phenomenon where individuals choose to associate and interact primarily with people who share similar beliefs, values, and ideologies. This could occur within social, professional, or educational settings, as people actively seek out like-minded individuals to form social networks or communities.

One of the main reasons for this self-segregation is the human tendency to seek confirmation and validation of one's own beliefs. By surrounding themselves with individuals who have similar ideologies, people can reinforce their own convictions and avoid conflicting opinions that may challenge their worldview.

Furthermore, ideological self-segregation can be influenced by factors such as geographic location, socioeconomic status, and media consumption habits. In many cases, individuals may reside in communities that align with their ideological preferences due to historical, cultural, or political factors. Additionally, the rise of social media platforms and personalized news consumption allows people to curate their information sources, leading to further self-segregation.

While ideological self-segregation can provide individuals with a sense of belonging and validation, it can also have negative consequences. It can lead to limited exposure to diverse perspectives, reinforcing stereotypes, biases, and echo chambers. This can hinder critical thinking, breed intolerance towards opposing viewpoints, and contribute to social polarization and divisions within societies.

Efforts to combat ideological self-segregation often involve promoting diverse interactions, fostering empathy, and encouraging open dialogue across ideological divides. For example, through educational initiatives, public forums, or social integration programs, individuals can be exposed to alternative viewpoints and engage in respectful conversations to bridge ideological gaps and foster greater understanding and collaboration.

Ideological self segregation appears in the following literature

Falck O., Gold R., Heblich S. (2014). E lections: Voting behavior and the internet. American Economic Review, 104(7), 2238-2265. American Economic Association.https://doi.org/10.1257/aer.104.7.2238

Giglietto F., Valeriani A., Righetti N., Marino G. (2019). Diverging patterns of interaction around news on social media: insularity and partisanship during the 2018 Italian election campaign. Information Communication and Society, 22(11), 1610-1629. Routledge.https://doi.org/10.1080/1369118X.2019.1629692