How Personal Commonalities Foster Closeness of Political Views

© Eloy S-Vizcaíno Mengual - Study shows that divergent opinions need not necessarily lead to polarisation We naturally feel close to people who are similar to us, who share our interests or partake in related activities, for instance. This natural feeling of closeness can be funnelled to reduce political differences and increase consensus on conflictual political topics. That is a discovery made by an international team of researchers led by Dr Stefano Balietti, a social scientist from Heidelberg University who uses computer-based methods to study human group behaviour. In an online study with participants from the United States the scientists investigated the circumstances under which people change their own attitude towards a certain topic. According to the study, having points in common helps people to move towards one another, even in the case of extremely divisive political issues and despite strong personal convictions. "Scholars have long assumed that the informal, respectful exchange between individuals with differing political views contributes to strengthening trust in democracy and avoiding societal division. That is particularly true regarding discussions between people who are friends and come from a similar social background.