# [[Echo Chambers]] Cause Polarization ![[Echo Chambers#^8llu2t]] ![[Echo Chambers#^y7nw8z]] Over time, as people are exclusively exposed to information that reinforces their existing opinions, a feedback loop forms that intensifies those opinions. People whose beliefs deviate even slightly from the local norm are ostracized, and the rest become more radicalized in an effort to outdo their peers. This then leads to increased polarization between different groups, as each group becomes more radicalized over time. ![[Making Sense of Social Media#^m13598]] With time this escalates, and an 'us-versus-them' mentality forms, where each side views the other as not just wrong, but as a threat to their way of life. This can lead to increased hostility and even violence between groups, as witnessed in the January 6 riots. ^c5c579