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Shared Reality: Experiencing Commonality With Others' Inner States About the World
Gerald Echterhoff1, E Tory Higgins2, John M Levine3
1Bielefeld University g.echterhoff@jacobs-university.de.
Summary
This study introduces a new framework for understanding shared reality, emphasizing subjective inner states and motivated connection. It explains how interpersonal communication, like the saying-is-believing effect, creates this crucial social phenomenon.
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Cognitive Science
- Communication Studies
Background:
- Humans possess an innate drive for shared reality.
- Existing models may not fully capture the nuances of social sharing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a novel conceptualization of shared reality.
- To delineate four essential conditions for its formation.
- To differentiate shared reality from related social constructs.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual analysis and literature review.
- Examination of evidence from interpersonal communication research, specifically the saying-is-believing effect.
- Comparative analysis with related psychological constructs.
Main Results:
- Shared reality is defined by subjective commonality of inner states, a target referent, appropriate motivation, and successful connection.
- The saying-is-believing effect serves as a key example of shared reality construction.
- The proposed model offers a more comprehensive explanation than alternative formulations.
Conclusions:
- The new conceptualization provides a framework for understanding the subjective and motivated nature of shared reality.
- This approach enhances differentiation between shared reality and constructs like empathy and theory of mind.
- It promotes a more nuanced understanding of social-sharing phenomena.
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