What causes tribalism?

Tribalism is driven by a range of factors, many of which are deeply rooted in human psychology and social structures:

1. Inherent Human Nature:

   • Humans evolved to be tribal for survival. This instinct helped protect early human groups from threats, whether from other groups or from environmental challenges 1.

2. Social Isolation and Fear:

   • Social isolation and loneliness can push individuals towards tribalism, as they seek belonging and safety within a group. This often results in hostility towards outsiders 2.

3. Cognitive Biases:

   • Tribal thinking is influenced by cognitive biases like the halo effect (overtrusting those who seem similar) and the horns effect (distrusting those who seem different). These biases skew our perception and interactions with others 3.
     
     1
     The Danger of Tribalism
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     2
     Tribalism Online
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     3
     Tribalism and Trust
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     4
     Outgrowing Tribalism
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     5
     Tribalism and Social Media
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     6
     The Rise of Tribalism
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4. Media and Social Media:

   • Modern media environments, particularly social media, exacerbate tribalism by amplifying emotions like rage and fear. These platforms prioritize attention-grabbing content, often leading to deeper divisions and polarized tribes 4 5.

5. Identity Politics:

   • The weakening of traditional social bonds and the rise of identity politics contribute significantly to tribalism. As common cultural goals dissipate, people cling to identities defined by their tribal affiliations, be it political, social, or cultural 6.

6. Historical Contexts:

   • Historically, periods of reduced immigration and common national threats (like wars) promoted unity. Modern liberal democracies had systems to reduce tribal instincts, but recent shifts have reignited these divisions 1.

Understanding these causes can help address and mitigate tribalism, fostering greater unity and cooperation in society.