Claim: People spend too much time in their own news bubble

“People spend too much time in their own news bubble” is the central thesis of the fifth theme of “The Great Media Debate” on NUjij, NU.nl’s interactive platform. Does that sound familiar? Have you ever been surprised when someone else has absolutely no idea what you’re talking about—or vice versa?

One person is talking with friends about the possible end of Jutta Leerdam’s speed skating career. Others are receiving videos of the Hyrox athlete who pooped in her pants during the race. Still others are discussing the ever-rising price of gas or wondering if they’ll ever be able to buy a house.

Not only do our interests vary, but the media we follow, algorithms, and our social environment also determine what news we see. This can mean that we get a different picture of what’s going on in the world.

Does this sound familiar? Do you feel like you’re stuck in a news bubble? And have you ever had a difficult conversation because you’d seen or read something different from the other person? Or do you sometimes deliberately seek out conversations with people who have different views?

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