Loss of cultural cohesion is only one of the worrying potential consequences of the proliferation of choice bitstreams provide. The general preference for pull over push is well supported empirically. Social psychologists have been investigating conformation bias, belief preservation and attitude polarization within groups for several decades now, and their findings give cause for sobering reflection about whether more choice is always better.
People tend to search for information that confirms their existing beliefs, and they selectively avoid information and interpretations that are not in line with pre-existing beliefs. Those who regularly interact only with others that their beliefs, interests and outlook on life tend to adopt more radical and extreme positions than they would have in a more neutral environment. The dark side of everyone being able to choose whom he or she associates with and what culture, entertainment, knowledge and commentary he or she consumes may be the gradual splintering of society into groups that not only share little in common, but may actively despise each other.
-- AndreiVoinigescu - 17 Dec 2008 |