What is the term used to describe an environment where a person only encounters beliefs or opinions that reinforce their own?

The term that describes an environment where a person only encounters beliefs or opinions that reinforce their own is known as an echo chamber. Within an echo chamber, individuals are exposed primarily to information that aligns with their pre-existing views, leading to a confirmation of those beliefs. This phenomenon can occur in various contexts, such as social media, news consumption, and interpersonal relationships.

Echo chambers limit exposure to diverse perspectives, which can hinder critical thinking and promote polarization, as individuals become increasingly entrenched in their viewpoints. The dynamic of an echo chamber is crucial for understanding contemporary issues such as the spread of misinformation and societal divisions, making it a significant concept in sociology and communication studies.

Other terms like confirmation bias refer specifically to the tendency of individuals to favor information that confirms their preconceptions, rather than the environment of interaction itself. Groupthink involves a group reaching a consensus without critical reasoning or evaluation of alternatives, which differs from the individual experience of an echo chamber. Social strife relates to conflict within society rather than the reinforcement of beliefs.