Selective exposure bias predicts views on diversity over time.

Area of Science:

• Social Psychology
• Sociology
• Cognitive Science

Background:

• Societal diversity is increasing, yet widespread lack of support poses challenges to institutions and organizations.
• Understanding the cognitive mechanisms influencing diversity beliefs is crucial for social cohesion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of selective exposure bias in shaping diversity beliefs.
• To examine how this bias affects attitudes towards societal support for refugees.

Main Methods:

• A large-scale, nationally representative Spanish sample (N = 2,297) participated in a time-lagged experiment.
• Participants received monetary incentives to read either attitude-contradictory or attitude-conforming information about refugee support over five months.

Main Results:

• Selective exposure bias asymmetrically predicted future diversity beliefs.
• Individuals with negative intergroup orientation showed decreased pro-diversity beliefs over time due to this bias.
• The bias's effect persisted independently of initial beliefs and ideological predispositions.

Conclusions:

• The absence of pro-diversity beliefs can stem partly from cognitive biases like selective exposure.
• Findings have critical implications for policymakers aiming to enhance intergroup relations and promote diversity acceptance.