Homophily, Echo Chambers, and Selective Exposure in Social Networks: What Should School Leaders Do?

• In Event: How Administrators and Teacher Leaders Manage Educational Challenges of Teaching Diverse Student Populations

Abstract

To address social media’s "echo chamber" effect, experts in civics education and social media used the "Delphi Method" develop consensus around solutions. Analyses revealed relative agreement that preparing students to participate in a robust democratic society requires public schools to provide mandatory civics courses with ample discourse and engagement with diverse intellectual content. Such a curriculum poses challenges for educational leaders who must ensure student expression is regulated in a nondiscriminatory manner and manage pushback from community members who prefer schools devoid of political content.

Authors

• Linda K. Mayger, The College of New Jersey

• Jeff Passe, Cal Poly Pomona

• Corey Drake, The College of New Jersey