Social Tensions and Connections in a Polarized World

Introduction

From dinner‑table arguments to global social‑media storms, interaction today unfolds against a backdrop of deepening political polarization, algorithm‑driven information bubbles, and renewed struggles for diversity, equity, and inclusion. This research‑intensive course examines the psychological and communicative forces that shape how individuals and groups perceive, evaluate, and influence one another when facts are disputed and identities feel threatened.

Drawing on communication science, social psychology and organizational behaviour, we trace three broad themes. First, we explore the foundations of identity and moral judgment, asking how self‑construal, group norms, and moral emotions can both bind and divide in face to face and digital settings. Second, we analyse the barriers that arise in diverse and networked settings, from stereotype‑based obstacles and structural network constraints to the algorithmic amplification that fuels echo chambers and online “shitstorms.” Third, we evaluate evidence‑based interventions that can help restore trust, accuracy, and inclusion.

The final part of the course is devoted to hands‑on support: guided proposal feedback, data‑analysis clinics, peer‑review writing workshops, and a guest lecture on ethical integrity in a post‑truth world. Throughout, students will translate theory into practice by designing and testing their own projects on interpersonal/intergroup dynamics or misinformation susceptibility.

By the end, participants will be equipped to read research critically, build and test hypotheses with survey‑ and experiment‑based methods, and apply cutting‑edge evidence to real‑world challenges where human connection is at risk.

Course content

In the course we will focus on:

Key concepts on social tensions and connections including

• Identity and job roles, interpersonal interaction, teams, stereotypes and biases
• Stereotype- and network- induced barriers for underrepresented members
• Managing a diverse workforce, biases, heuristics
• Immorality and moral justification, group norms, moral justification
• Polarization, distrust and incivility
• Identity dynamics driving division
• Algorithmic amplification and echo chambers
• The psychology of misinformation, source credibility, motivated reasoning, risk and resilience
• Interventions to reduce polarization and misinformation beliefs, inoculation tactics, fact checking, algorithmic diversification nudges
• Upholding integrity amid polarization and misinformation

In addition, we will execute a quantitative survey-based research project and engage in data analysis, writing practices and critical literature discussion.

Disclaimer

This is an excerpt from the complete course description for the course. If you are an active student at BI, you can find the complete course descriptions with information on eg. learning goals, learning process, curriculum and exam at portal.bi.no. We reserve the right to make changes to this description.