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echo chamber

EK-oh CHAM-ber /ˈɛkəʊ ˌtʃeɪmbər/

nounC1GRETOEFLIELTS

neutralformal

An environment, especially online, where a person encounters only beliefs or opinions that coincide with their own, so that their existing views are reinforced and alternative ideas are not considered.

Implies a self-reinforcing system where diverse perspectives are absent, leading to confirmation bias and potentially extreme views.

The story behind the word. The term 'echo chamber' is a metaphorical compound. 'Echo' comes from the Greek word 'ekho,' referring to the repetition of sound caused by reflection. 'Chamber' comes from the Latin 'camera,' meaning 'room.' Literally, an echo chamber is a room designed to produce echoes. Metaphorically, it describes an online environment where ideas and beliefs are repeatedly 'echoed' back to individuals, reinforcing their existing views and excluding dissenting voices, much like sound bouncing off walls in a confined space.

Word relationships

filter bubble: Similar concept, often refers to personalized search results and algorithms that filter out information that contradicts one's beliefs.
ideological silo: Emphasizes the isolation of ideas within a specific group.

diverse community: A group with varied backgrounds and viewpoints.
open forum: A public meeting or medium for open discussion.

Commonly confused with

groupthink: Groupthink is a psychological phenomenon where a group makes irrational decisions due to conformity; an echo chamber describes the environment that fosters such conformity.

Collocations

online echo chamber
political echo chamber
break out of an echo chamber
social media echo chamber

Example sentences

"Social media algorithms can create echo chambers by showing users only content that aligns with their past interactions." A sociological analysis of social media.
"Breaking out of an echo chamber requires actively seeking out diverse news sources and engaging with different perspectives." A discussion about political polarization.

Memory hook

Imagine being in a 'CHAMBER' where your own thoughts 'ECHO' back to you, reinforcing them and blocking out new sounds. Ideas bounce back

When not to use

Do not use for a group that simply shares common interests; it specifically refers to the isolation from differing viewpoints.

Fun facts

The concept of the 'echo chamber' is closely related to 'confirmation bias,' the tendency to search for, interpret, favor, and recall information in a way that confirms one's preexisting beliefs.