Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 26, 2025

Continuous Theta Burst Stimulation of the Posterior Medial Frontal Cortex to Experimentally Reduce Ideological Threat Responses
Published on: September 28, 2018
Does Digital Intergroup Contact Reduce Prejudice? A Meta-Analysis
Leonor Pereira da Costa1, Kinga Bierwiaczonek2,3, Mauro Bianchi4
1HEI-Lab: Digital Human-Environment Interaction Labs, Lusófona University, Lisboa, Portugal.
Abstract:
With the ubiquity of technology in the modern life, contact between different social groups via different digital means is an everyday reality. Can such a digital intergroup contact reduce prejudice, or does it exacerbate it? In this study, we summarize the present evidence on the links between intergroup digital contact and prejudice in a variety of intergroup contexts. We meta-analyzed experimental and correlational evidence from 88 independent samples (n = 9,385). Digital intergroup contact showed a small but significant effect consistent with prejudice reduction (g = 0.25). Direct digital contact showed larger effect than indirect forms of contact, and contact via computer-mediated communication showed larger effects than contact achieved via other activities such as interacting with nonplayable characters or embodiment. The effects were similar regardless of the type of out-group targeted by prejudice. Overall, meta-analytical results suggest that digital intergroup contact may reduce prejudice.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Stereotype Content Model
Stereotypes, Prejudice, and Discrimination
In- and Out-Groups
Social Proof
Surveys
Deindividuation

