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  • April 19, 2023
  • Editorial
  • Scientific American (website)

Extreme Views Are More Attractive Than Moderate Ones

By: Amit Goldenberg
  • Format:Electronic
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Abstract

Do you ever feel like everyone on social media has a more extreme viewpoint than your own? We often blame social media companies for the cacophony of politically extreme opinions around us. After all, these companies are generally motivated to promote the most emotionally potent and attention-grabbing content and perspectives.
But my colleagues and I have conducted research that suggests these platforms’ users share some of the responsibility. In several studies, we found that people prefer connecting with others who are, on average, more politically extreme than themselves.

Keywords

Social Media; Networks

Citation

Goldenberg, Amit. "Extreme Views Are More Attractive Than Moderate Ones." Scientific American (website) (April 19, 2023).
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About The Author

Amit Goldenberg

Negotiation, Organizations & Markets
→More Publications

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More from the Author
  • Negative Expressions Are Shared More on Twitter for Public Figures Than for Ordinary Users By: Jonas P. Schöne, David Garcia, Brian Parkinson and Amit Goldenberg
  • Amplification of Emotion on Social Media By: Amit Goldenberg and Robb Willer
  • To Overcome Resistance to DEI, Understand What’s Driving It By: Eric Shuman, Eric Knowles and Amit Goldenberg
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