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Published on: September 28, 2018
The Zoom solution: Promoting effective cross-ideological communication online
Ashley L Binnquist1, Stephanie Y Dolbier1, Macrina C Dieffenbach1
1Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America.
Online video-chat platforms can facilitate cross-ideological communication (CIC) among polarized individuals. Contrary to expectations, interactions were more positive than predicted, suggesting CIC is beneficial for reducing hostility and fostering understanding.
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Communication Studies
- Political Science
Background:
- Increasing ideological polarization and hostility in the U.S. hinder societal function.
- Negative affect forecasts often deter individuals from engaging in cross-ideological communication (CIC).
- Geographic divides and online extremism further complicate CIC.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of online video-chat platforms for promoting CIC.
- To examine the impact of private versus public CIC settings on participant experience.
- To assess the effects of CIC on attitude moderation and intergroup perceptions.
Main Methods:
- 122 participants engaged in face-to-face CIC via Zoom.
- Two conditions were tested: private conversations and public conversations with a silent ingroup audience.
- Participant forecasts and post-interaction experiences were recorded.
Main Results:
- Participant forecasts of negative affect were inaccurate; actual experiences were more positive than anticipated.
- The presence of an ingroup audience correlated with increased conflict during CIC.
- Participants demonstrated preliminary attitude moderation, increased favorability toward the outgroup, and felt more informed post-interaction.
Conclusions:
- Face-to-face CIC via video-chat is generally positive and beneficial for polarized individuals.
- Private conversations may yield greater positive effects than public, social media-like interactions.
- Zoom-based paradigms offer a controlled setting for studying CIC and ideological conflict.
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