Powerful tales
Larry Updike
A compelling story can overcome blas and change problems
A study of news consumers originating from Ohio State University provides some fairly convincing evidence that a majority of people prefer to read articles that agree with the opinions they already hold, and not much else.
In addition, even when the research subjects did read articles which ran counter to their views, they almost always balanced that with reading others that confirmed their opinions.
This shouldn’t be surprising, I suppose. The study’s co-author, Silvia Knobloch-Westerwick told the publication Science Daily, “We found that people generally chose media messages that reinforced their preexisting views. In general, they don’t want their views to be challenged by seriously considering other viewpoints.”
The research project was conducted in two phases. In the first session the subjects were asked for their opinions about various hot-button issues. In the second session, supposedly unconnected to the first, they were asked their impressions of an online magazine which had positive and negative articles on the same hot-button topics.
Participants were most likely to read only articles that were consistent with their viewpoints. Hardly anyone clicked on articles which opposed their views.
Outlook
The findings raised some alarms for the authors who believe with more and more media choices, people can blissfully decide only to be exposed to messages that align with their current outlook.
What is implied is that this can lead to extremism, because another contrasting argument is never even considered let alone entertained.
I find this study interesting but am wary of the conclusion that extreme viewpoints are the only likely result of people having a preference for certain sources of information.
People have been bickering about issues and accusing each other of closed-mindedness for centuries.
I will admit however, that when people get a notion in their heads it is difficult to budge them. Just how do you get people to change their minds?
It might be wise to look a little closer at the proliferation of these custom-tailored media choices.
This variety of platforms has been accompanied by sharper and better story-telling, as multiple outlets compete even harder to grab your attention. We have become a more intensely narrative culture.
I actually think that’s a good thing.
A good narrative is far more persuasive than just piling on evidence to counter an opponent’s evidence or facts to counter an opponent’s facts.
In my travels speaking on behalf of Siloam Mission, I periodically encounter some pretty rigid stereotypes about both those who use our services and those who work or volunteer for Siloam.
Patrons are accused of sloth and people who toil for them are just enablers. Pretty insulting stuff, especially when you have hands-on familiarity with the circumstances that contribute to poverty and homelessness.
How do I react to accusations of sloth or enabling?
I tell stories of people whose lives have been devastated by the bleakest circumstances, but who survive one more day. I tell stories of people who have transitioned from a life on the streets to generous, self-sufficiency.
The narratives do their own work. The prejudices fall away. Studies may say opinions don’t change. I don’t know about that.
A compelling, true story can change any opinion.
- Larry Updike is the Senior Advocacy and Communications Spokesperson at Siloam Mission.
06/16/10
