• Reasoned Discussion

• Nuanced Thought

• Rational Debate

What is a Bubble?

The term bubble describes the phenomena where a group of individuals with similar viewpoints develop a tendency toward limiting their exposure to opposing views.  This creates a self-amplifying feedback loop of thought that serves to distort reality, amplify conviction, and intensify resistance toward external influences.

The use of the term bubble in this context is a relatively recent addition to the modern political lexicon.  It became quite popular during the 2016 presidential election, but the concept predates the use of the term.  In fact, it is largely just another iteration of the concept of Groupthink, or possibly even defines the earlier stages of development of the same phenomenon.

Why Do Bubbles Exist?

We are a cooperative, collaborative species, and we are driven to belong to group:  Friends, families, parties, tribes, etc…  Our very survival is dependent on the individual’s conformity to, and harmony with, the group.

Conversely, groups tend to thrive on external opposition.  Nothing unites a group, or strengthens the bonds of its members, more intensely than an external threat.  The existence of a larger existential threat to the individual or group, is at the very core of why we organize into tribes, cities, states, nations, and alliances.

Ultimately, the bubble forms from the combined dynamic of an individual’s drive to conform with the group, and the group’s galvanization against perceived external threats.

Why Are Bubble So Dangerous?

They are not inherently bad.  At the most fundamental level they are simply a social dynamic of our healthy desire to belong to a group.

They protect us!    They give us purpose and identity!    They unite us!

However, in political discourse, bubbles can be extremely dangerous, and more severe forms of Groupthink can be deadly on a large scale.  A healthy democracy thrives on the free exchange of ideas.  A responsible citizen consciously avoids the natural tendency to gravitate toward these ideological isolation chambers.  They seek every opportunity to engage in thoughtful, reasoned debate and discussion with people of opposing or differing points of view.  Actively seeking opportunities to challenge ones own beliefs is a civic imperative.

Increasingly, modern American political discourse is NOT in a healthy state.  The size, scope, and complexity of government has grown to a point where few truly understand the majority of.

How Do I Escape?

The truth is there is no escape.  The first step is to break through the denial that you don’t live in a bubble.  You do, I do, we all do!  If we pretend like we don’t, our bubble shrinks and the walls get stronger.  If we acknowledge this reality, and actively seek to expand our world view, and allow more to pass through the walls.

So rather than escape the goal should be permeability and expansion.  By accepting that our world view is ALWAYS based on our personal life experience.