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The theory of echo chambers, which suggests that online political discussionstake place in conditions of ideological homogeneity, has recently gainedpopularity as an explanation for patterns of political polarization andradicalization observed in many democratic countries. However, whilemicro-level experimental work has shown evidence that individuals may gravitatetowards information that supports their beliefs, recent macro-level studieshave cast doubt on whether this tendency generates echo chambers in practice,instead suggesting that cross-cutting exposures are a common feature of digitallife. In this article, we offer an explanation for these diverging results.Building on cognitive dissonance theory, and making use of observational tracedata taken from an online white nationalist website, we explore how individualsin an ideological 'echo chamber' engage with opposing viewpoints. We show thatthis type of exposure, far from being detrimental to radical onlinediscussions, is actually a core feature of such spaces that encourages peopleto stay engaged. The most common 'echoes' in this echo chamber are in fact thesound of opposing viewpoints being undermined and marginalized. Hence echochambers exist not only in spite of but thanks to the unifying presence ofoppositional viewpoints. We conclude with reflections on policy implications ofour study for those seeking to promote a more moderate political internet.

Echo Chambers Exist! (But They're Full of Opposing Views)