Does involvement in social media cause groupthink and narrowmindedness?
As I’ve been getting involved in social media and social networking online I have very deliberately and carefully screened the people that I choose to follow.
Originally, my reason was that, I wanted to minimize the noise in my social media “stream” with update messages that had nothing to do with my interest in business. A couple of years later, my focus has shifted to the following people that I think could help me or whom I think I could help.
Using this strategy seems to make sense to me however, I’ve been thinking lately that perhaps I am limiting my opportunities. There definitely is a sense of belonging and connection following people who have similar interests. However, I’m not convinced that it’s in my best interest either personally or professionally to be so narrow in my selection criteria.
Pitfalls of Groupthink
I think the strongest argument for broadening my selection criteria when following people is that I will avoid the pitfalls of “group think”. Groupthink happens every day. It is not a phenomenon limited to online social media. We become vulnerable to groupthink whenever we surround ourselves with like-minded people.
Wikipedia states, “Groupthink is a type of thought exhibited by group members who try to minimize conflict and reach consensus without critically testing, analyzing, and evaluating ideas.”
The key phrase in Wikipedia’s definition of groupthink is reaching consensus without critically testing, analyzing, and evaluating ideas. I’ve seen this happen in groups of all sizes. Whether that be a partnership or Board of Directors or a few thousand people involved in the “small business” industry.
What can we do?
Personally, I found that the greatest antidote to groupthink and brainwashing that happens through marketing and advertising is to question everything. I’m not suggesting that you become a cynic or negative in the process. Rather, practice being present in the moment.
Stop watching broadcast news. The fastest way to being depressed to be consuming every possible newscast. If it bleeds it leads is not the criteria that we should be allowing the news media to use to decide what stories we choose to listen to. Need to stand guard at the entry door to our minds. I’ve learned to be much more discerning and selective in what I allow to enter into my conscious attention space.
What do you do to avoid the groupthink effect when using social media?
Greg Balanko-Dickson
1-866-281-8281
It's The Quality Questions That You Ask, That Give You The Quality of Life You Enjoy!
Posted 4 months ago
And being critical in how you analyze the news before you has never been so important in age when anyone can create information.
Thanks for the post, Greg.
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