Cognitive Scaffold

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MENTAL MODEL · M1928

Information Cocoon

Information Cocoon
CollaborateHigh supportCommunication Studies
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Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30

CORE DEFINITION

Sunstein proposed that people only pay attention to information they choose or that algorithms recommend, gradually becoming trapped in a closed information environment, leading to narrowed perspectives and polarized views.

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

psychology

Reduce cognitive load

The echo chamber effect, also known as the information echo chamber, media echo chamber, online echo chamber, or news echo chamber, refers to a phenomenon in news media and social media where groups with similar ideas continuously communicate and reinforce each other's beliefs, amplifying and strengthening those similar thoughts. This intensifies the holders' faith in their existing views, creating a relatively closed environment or ecosystem. The echo chamber effect propagates and emphasizes a viewpoint while ignoring dissenting opinions, potentially leading to confirmation bias and increasing societal and governmental polarization. Especially on social media, echo chambers limit the space for diverse opinions and reinforce individuals' or groups' preconceived ideas and ideologies. Many scholars have noted that the echo chamber effect may influence the public's stances and perspectives...

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Anchor fast decisions

Individuals only encounter information consistent with their own preferences or positions, gradually becoming wrapped in a 'cocoon,' narrowing their horizons and polarizing their views. There are two causes: first, users actively choose to selectively expose themselves (confirmation), and second, algorithms passively feed them (filter bubble). Over time, this leads to difficulties in consensus and group antagonism.

MINIMUM ACTION

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Source support: Explicit

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    zh.wikipedia.orghttps://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E8%BF%B4%E8%81%B2%E5%AE%A4%E6%95%88%E6%87%89ZH · Explicit
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