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Homophily: Friend or Foe

Homophily refers to the idea that you can find your "people" through the use of digital media. In my opinion this is both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, everyone wants to be a part of a community. It is important for people to know that they are not alone, that there are other people out there who share their concerns, fears, and interests. This idea of belonging can help people overcome mental issues, connect with a whole new set of colleagues and become their best selves. 

In theory homophily is great, but there is a darker side to this. What happens when you stop are no longer exposed to the thoughts and feelings of others? What happens when you don't see ideas or differing opinions. Homophily can be dangerous if it keeps us from getting out there and meeting new people and exploring new ideas. 

Comments

  1. The WeaveMay 15, 2022 at 4:14 AM

    You make very interesting points. I interact, mostly, through Facebook and when I see something that a friend posts that sets me off, makes me cringe or makes me uncomfortable, I have the fleeting thought to unfriend them. I said this was a fleeting thought, because I remember if I delete friends that think differently or have different opinions, I am no longer seeing different viewpoints and I am creating this bubble around me of only like-minded people.

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    Replies
    1. The Tired TeacherMay 15, 2022 at 6:20 AM

      Exactly. The great thing is that you stop long enough to think about it. I worry that we have not instilled these critical thinking skills into younger generations. I worry that instead of stopping, they will unfriend the person and never even stop to think about the bubble they are creating around themselves.

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    2. nutsMay 15, 2022 at 4:47 PM

      I like your idea about homophily. I found myself that the older I am getting, the more I tend to find a more comfortable zone in online space, which in terms of homophily, I am reinforcing my homophily. I know that it could negatively affect my meeting new people and coming up with some new ideas, but... it is so comfortable haha.

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