What is an echo chamber?

The internet is a big place and is home to all manner of different viewpoints. However, websites have quickly realised that people tend to enjoy the company of people that look and sound like them, so it’s in their interest to create echo chambers – sites where the user’s own views are echoed, reinforced and built upon without challenge. This is also common on social media. If this is combined with the dangers of misinformation and fake news there is a risk that children may take steps towards becoming radicalised.

For more information on the associated risks and online safety tips for parents and carers, watch our explainer video, available to those with a National Online Safety membership.

Echo Chambers

Simply having our own opinions reinforced can sometimes be more harmful than having them challenged, or considering opposing points of view. Our short video on echo chambers explains the dangers of this online phenomenon.