A recent study shows that only about 25% of Americans have trust in the nation’s institutions, with big business, television news, and Congress ranking the lowest. This decline in trust coincides with an increase in political polarization, with Republicans and Democrats viewing each other as more immoral than other Americans. However, despite the lack of trust and agreement, people can still share experiences, which researchers refer to as the theory of collective mind. Shared experiences amplify psychological and behavioral reactions to the world, leading to stronger memories, deeper emotions, and stronger motivations. This shared attention does not require physical presence, as participants can feel a sense of togetherness even when in different locations.
Shared attention builds relationships and can bridge the political divide. When people experience a common subjective experience and have the same gut reaction, they tend to like each other more, even if they have opposing political beliefs. Shared attention can create social bonds and synchronize individuals’ heartbeats and breaths. It is a fundamental aspect of human relationships that predates the development of language and shared beliefs.
In today’s divided media landscape, where people consume news from their preferred sources, sharing attention is more challenging. However, moments of shared attention, whether small or large, connect us as a society. The repeal of the fairness doctrine, which ensured balanced coverage of controversial issues, may have contributed to the hyperpolarized media environment we see today. Despite the potential pain of sharing attention on divisive issues, it can also lead to a revitalization of public trust. When we share awareness of the world with others, even those with different beliefs, we form a community of minds and move towards restoring trust and national ideals.
