I wanted to share some thoughts on this article as it delves into online engagement's fascinating and sometimes troubling aspects. The article highlights how negativity, extremism, out-group animosity, and moral emotional language drive online engagement, often to our detriment. These dynamics can create an echo chamber effect, amplifying divisive content and skewing public discourse.
This got me thinking about our role in academic medicine and how we can leverage these insights to foster healthier online interactions. At the AAMC, we strive to promote positive, inclusive, and informed discourse, even in the face of these challenging online dynamics.
One specific example comes from the work of @Mallory Yung, MPH, PMP, Associate Director for the Health Equity Alliance at the Health Management Academy (who I learned more about in a recent AAMC CHARGE Spotlight!). Mallory has been instrumental in advancing health equity initiatives, particularly through her work with the AAMC CHARGE community. Her efforts to evaluate Nashville's COVID-19 response and address policy decisions that exacerbated existing disparities are a testament to the impact of thoughtful, inclusive engagement.
By understanding and counteracting the "four dark laws," we can better support community leaders like Mallory in their mission to improve health outcomes and equity. Let's continue to be mindful of how we communicate online, choosing language that unites rather than divides, and promoting content that educates and inspires.
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Stephanie Weiner
Director, Digital Strategy & Engagement
Association of American Medical Colleges
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Original Message:
Sent: 06-04-2024 08:52:52 AM
From: Nicole Buckley
Subject: Tip Tuesday: 4 dark laws of online engagement (and how to counter them)
Jay Van Bavel, PhD-social psychologist and Learn Serve Lead 2022: The AAMC Annual Meeting speaker-publishes research on the impact of social media on our psychological makeup and social behaviors. He recently suggested that there are four dark laws of online engagement that are shaping our social relationships:
- Negativity drives engagement.
- Extremism commands attention.
- Out-group animosity captures clicks.
- More emotional language magnifies messages.
Van Bavel offers tips to counter the influence of these dark laws:
- Recognize when language is being used to create division by leaders, propagandists, trolls, and foreign operatives.
- When engaging with others, frame issues in an inclusive way with language that emphasizes common values.
- Avoid sources that use alarmist, or us-vs-them language and instead seek out reliable news sources.
Want to learn more? Listen to Van Bavel's guest interview on the "Plain English with Derek Thompson" podcast.
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Nicole Buckley
Communications Strategist
Association of American Medical Colleges
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