Bursting filter bubbles in a digital age: Opening minds and reducing opinion polarization through digital platforms

Filter Bubbles, exacerbated by use of digital platforms, have accelerated opinion polarization. This research builds on calls for interventions aimed at preventing or mitigating polarization. This research assesses the extent that an online digital platform, intentionally displaying two sides of an argument with methodology designed to “open minds” and aid readers willingness to consider an opposing view. This “open mindedness” can potentially penetrate online filter bubbles, alleviate polarization and promote social change in an era of exponential growth of discourse via digital platforms. Utilizing “The Perspective” digital platform, 400 respondents were divided into five distinct groups varying in number of articles reading material related to “Black Lives Matter” (BLM). Results indicate that those reading five articles, either related or unrelated to race, were significantly more open-minded towards BLM than the control group. Those who read five race-related articles also showed significantly reduced levels of holding a hardliner opinion towards BLM than control.