Combining mutual interests is nothing new. Subconsciously or consciously when communicating, it is easier to find someone who will be easier to talk to through shared values, interests or way of thinking. Don’t worry if you think you’re only sticking to your comfort zone, and that’s no accident either. A study published in The Journal of Social Psychology revealed more information about this phenomenon, where people naturally feel closer to those they perceive to be similar in character and interests, even if they belong to different groups, ethnicities, religions or political ideologies. This is called “similarity attracts”.
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Similar despite the differences
People are incredibly different, regardless of their ethnicity, religion or political beliefs. This study aimed to understand whether this similarity–attraction is present in intergroup settings where differences are more salient, such as ethnic, religious, or political groups.
In the course of the study, four experiments were conducted in the United States, in which more than 2,600 participants took part. It concerned how members of different ethnic groups (black, Hispanic, and white Americans), religious groups (Baptists, Catholics, and Protestants), and political ideologies (liberals and conservatives) interact with members of other groups. Participants were asked to explore and introspect on how similar they felt to members of other groups and how comfortable they would be in forming close relationships with them.
The findings were consistent, as the researchers found that regardless of differences, when people view others as similar to themselves, in attitude or experience, they are more likely to form close bonds with them.
Consequences
Ethnicity, religion, and political ideologies occasionally become matters of contention, and opposing opinions lead to discontent. Sometimes they can escalate and worsen the situation. However, at their core, people are more similar than different, and when they begin to realize these similarities, they become more willing to understand and accept each other.
This research also shows how identifying commonalities can bridge gaps and reduce tensions. Especially in diverse societies, the influence of similarity is conducive to people coming together and becoming closer despite the fact that they are from different backgrounds. Unity in diversity is possible when they see deep down how similar they are – whether it’s admiring their favorite actor or analyzing new trends in drone technology.
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