====== Groupthink ======

Refers to a situation in which certain opinions or attitudes have become so ingrained in a group that its members no longer question or verify them, often due to social pressure to conform.

===== Other names =====

  * [[glossary:echo_chamber|Echo chamber]]

===== Description =====

Although all groups engage in social reinforcements that influence or determine their interpretation of the environment, the term 'groupthink' primarily refers to established patterns of interpretation that are the result of peer pressure and have //negative// consequences, such as no longer corresponding to reality.

This risk is particularly high if the group exhibits strong internal cohesion and has ways of sanctioning dissenting opinions, such as expulsion from the group. It is also increased if selection effects occurred during the formation of the group, such as self-selection, thereby excluding other opinions.

==== Prevention ====

The first step in avoiding groupthink is recognising the problem. Look out for signs that diverse viewpoints are lacking within a group or that there is pressure to conform. This can result in dissenting opinions no longer being voiced or even being actively suppressed.

A good place to start is encouraging participants to voice other views and discouraging the casual dismissal of such views.

In many cases, it can be useful to actively take on the role of "<i :la>[[glossary:advocatus_diaboli|Advocatus diaboli]]</i> " (devil’s advocate) yourself, or to appoint someone else to fulfil this role. This role involves challenging precisely those assumptions that are no longer questioned, thereby forcing the group to critically examine its position.

#TODO **This article is still incomplete.**

===== See also =====

  * <i :la>[[glossary:advocatus_diaboli|Advocatus diaboli]]</i>
  * [[glossary:echo_chamber|Echo chamber]]
  * [[ad_hominem:self-aggrandizement|Self-aggrandizement]]

===== More information =====

  * [[wp>Groupthink]] on //Wikipedia//