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A Confirmation Bias View on Social Media Induced Polarisation During Covid-19
Sachin Modgil1, Rohit Kumar Singh1, Shivam Gupta2
1International Management Institute (IMI) Kolkata, Kolkata, India.
Information Systems Frontiers : a Journal of Research and Innovation
|November 29, 2021
Summary
Social media polarization (SMIP) is fueled by confirmation bias, creating echo chambers. This study reveals how confirmation bias intensified echo chambers during the Covid-19 pandemic, impacting information processing.
Area of Science:
- Social Sciences
- Psychology
- Communication Studies
Background:
- Social media significantly contributes to societal polarization across various topics.
- Social media induced polarization (SMIP) presents risks, potentially leading to widespread misinformation ('digital wildfires').
- Limited research exists on the interaction between confirmation bias and echo chambers within SMIP.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of confirmation bias in the formation of echo chambers.
- To explore how confirmation bias manifested and contributed to echo chamber development during the Covid-19 pandemic.
- To develop a conceptual model of SMIP based on empirical findings.
Main Methods:
- Thematic analysis was employed to analyze data.
- Data was collected from 35 participants involved in supply chain information processing.
- A conceptual model of SMIP was developed.
Main Results:
- Confirmation bias was identified as a key driver in the development of echo chambers.
- Four cross-cutting propositions regarding SMIP were derived from the data.
- The findings highlight the interplay between individual cognitive biases and online environment structures.
Conclusions:
- Confirmation bias significantly contributes to the creation and reinforcement of echo chambers in social media.
- Understanding this interplay is crucial for mitigating the negative effects of SMIP.
- The study offers implications for both future research and practical interventions aimed at fostering more balanced online discourse.
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