Digital Media Concepts/Information Cocoons Effect

Definition

An information cocoon, also known as an echo chamber, is an environment in which individuals are exposed only to content that reflects and reinforces their own messages or perspectives. This environment can lead to misinformation, distort an individual's perspective, and make it difficult to consider opposing viewpoints or engage in discussions on complex topics. Echo chambers are driven in part by confirmation bias, the tendency to favor information that reinforces existing beliefs. This phenomenon can occur anywhere information is exchanged, whether online or in real life. However, on the Internet, almost everyone can quickly find people and opinions that match their own through social media and a plethora of news sources, making the phenomenon of echo chambers more prevalent and easier to fall into.

Origin and Development of the Concept

The concept of the information cocoon was first proposed by Harvard professor Cass Sunstein in 2006. He argues that the public tends to focus only on information that matches their interests, trapping themselves in an information cocoon, similar to a silkworm pupa binding itself in a cocoon. Sunstein argues that the personalized information filtering mechanism of social media leads to the formation of an information cocoon, where people are immersed in an information environment that only reflects and reinforces their pre-existing opinions. Sunstein points out that humans have a limited attention span when faced with a large amount of information, and therefore selectively engage and filter information according to their personal interests in order to stay focused and psychologically comfortable. Although algorithmic recommendation technology provides more personalized information services, the public tends to focus only on content of interest and ignore other information, limiting the breadth and depth of information access. Users are more inclined to isolate themselves in homogenized social environments and interact with people with similar views, potentially reinforcing internal identities and devaluing external groups, which constrains the full development of individuals' access to information.

Causes

Algorithmic recommendation techniques are considered to be at the root of the information cocoon phenomenon. The reduced cost of using algorithmic recommendations on information platforms has led to the perpetuation of information cocooning. Information cocoon is the natural tendency of people to prefer confirmatory information and avoid discordant information, as well as the growth in the scale of online information has reinforced this cognitive bias and exacerbated the personal tendency of users to obtain information. The concept of algorithmic recommendation, in which information platforms push personalized information that highly matches users' interests and values, promotes the formation of information cocoons.

Filter bubbles and the information cocoon phenomenon are related in that filter bubbles refer to the mandatory screening of information received by users, while the information cocoon describes the tendency to prefer confirming information and avoiding discordant information. Continuous improvement of filter bubble technology can further strengthen users' individual tendencies to access information and contribute to the formation of information cocoons.

Effects

The "information cocoon" leads to a bias in access to personal information in favor of content that is consistent with one's existing beliefs, limiting exposure to different perspectives and ideas and contributing to the polarization of society. This phenomenon hinders the objectivity of news and information, reinforces individuals' existing beliefs and may affect critical thinking skills. The persistence of "information cocoons" may jeopardize the fairness of information and social equity by limiting individuals' access to different sources of information and perspectives.

Emotional and mental health concerns

The phenomenon of information cocooning is prevalent in social media, especially short video apps. Older people who are not familiar with the functions of social media platforms are one of the groups that are easily affected. The information cocoon phenomenon in short videos is closely related to depression levels among older people. The personalized recommendation function leads older people to focus only on content that aligns with their interests, limiting exposure to diverse information and increasing feelings of loneliness and depression. Once the information cocoon is formed, it further exacerbates the social isolation of older people, worsening depressive symptoms.

Political Implications

Echo chambers (Information cocoons) lead to the radicalization of individuals and distort the political landscape. Politically active individuals typically only follow accounts that align with their views, and upon entering an echo chamber, social media algorithms provide content that confirms their beliefs, increasing polarization and extremism. Echo chambers negatively affect the individuals who inhabit them, making their beliefs more entrenched and susceptible to manipulation.

The phenomenon of the information cocoon can also have a negative impact on democracy. Being in an information cocoon can lead to people believing false information and not being able to learn important truths, which is detrimental to the democratic process.

Solutions

Social Media Platform

To counteract the negative effects of information cocooning, platforms such as Facebook can focus on reducing personalization and promoting diversity of information sources to broaden users' horizons and counteract polarization.

Media Literacy

Improving media literacy can help mitigate the negative effects of the information cocoon phenomenon, specifically:

1. Engage in media literacy education to develop critical thinking skills and the ability to evaluate information.
2. Actively seek out diverse sources of information and engage with different viewpoints.
3. Be aware of personal biases and actively challenge them to avoid being trapped in echo chambers.
4. Practice fact-checking and verify information from multiple reliable sources before accepting it as true.
5. Limit exposure to social media platforms that reinforce echo chambers and instead, follow accounts and platforms that provide a range of perspectives.
6. Engage in civil and respectful discussions with individuals who hold different opinions to foster understanding and avoid echo chambers.