We may like to think we choose our friends simply because we have things in common. But people who are less tolerant of uncertainty are more likely to surround themselves with others who share their views, values and experiences, a study by Jagiellonian University and SWPS University has found.
The result is less diverse social networks, which can contribute to the formation of information bubbles and deepen social divisions. The researchers linked this tendency to what psychologists call the “need for cognitive closure” – the desire for quick, definitive answers rather than ambiguity or uncertainty.
“People with a high level of this trait prefer clear rules, predictability, and an orderly world. They are reluctant to remain in situations where answers are ambiguous and information is contradictory,” Ewa Szumowska, PhD, from Jagiellonian University, said in a release sent to the Polish Press Agency.
Szumowska and Katarzyna Growiec, PhD, from SWPS University, wanted to determine whether the need for cognitive closure also influences the type of people we choose to have in our social circles.
In five studies involving more than 1,000 participants, they used psychological questionnaires, social network analysis and an experiment.
In the initial studies, participants described their relationships with other people. The researchers assessed how diverse their friendships were in terms of age, education, political views, religiosity and lifestyle. At the same time, the participants’ level of need for cognitive closure was assessed.
In the experiment, participants were presented with profiles of several individuals. Some resembled them in terms of views and interests, while others differed significantly. They then rated how much they would like to get to know each person and talk to them.
The results showed that participants with a high need for cognitive closure were more likely to express interest in people similar to themselves. Their actual social networks were also less diverse than those of people who were more tolerant of uncertainty. This applied not only to beliefs and values, but also to social characteristics and life experiences.
A preference for similar people is not unusual. Known as homophily, it is the tendency to form relationships with people who share our views, interests, educational backgrounds or social status. Where we live, study and work can also shape who we meet and befriend.
The new study suggests, however, that individual psychological needs, including tolerance of uncertainty, can also influence this tendency.
At first glance, surrounding ourselves with similar people may seem natural and comfortable. It makes it easier to find common ground, anticipate reactions and avoid conflict, while fostering a sense of security and belonging.
Yet having diverse social connections can be important for society as a whole.
“People who maintain relationships with individuals from different backgrounds have access to more diverse information, encounter differing viewpoints more frequently, and gain a better understanding of the experiences of other groups. Such interactions foster social trust, facilitate cooperation, and reduce prejudice and stereotypes,” Szumowska said.
“If your social circle consists almost exclusively of like-minded people, you have fewer opportunities to challenge your own beliefs against other perspectives. This trend extends to the virtual world as well. Individuals with a strong innate need for clarity and predictability are increasingly unlikely to step outside their own information bubbles,” she added.
The authors say that being aware of our preference for people like ourselves may help us recognise when it is limiting our experiences. Although interacting with people who differ from us requires greater tolerance, patience and a willingness to change our minds, it can foster personal growth, creativity and a better understanding of complex issues.
The study was published in the journal Scientific Reports.
Katarzyna Czechowicz (PAP)
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