We’re more divided than ever – and mostly avoiding the conversations that could change that.

Research shows that a single civil conversation reduces polarisation more than people expect. Not a debate. Not a lecture. Just a chat.

In this episode, Grace is joined by Chartered Psychologist Louise Weston to explore the psychology behind polarisation. Together, they unpack the “online disinhibition effect”, the algorithms that reward outrage over nuance, and the new research that proves talking across difference works to depolarise attitudes.

They close with four ground rules for how to have challenging conversations effectively and move towards a less divided society.

Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms.

References:

• Suler, John. (2004). The Online Disinhibition Effect. Cyberpsychology & behavior: the impact of the Internet, multimedia and virtual reality on behavior and society. 7. 321-6. 10.1089/1094931041291295.
• Kardas, M., Nordgren, L., & Rucker, D. (2026). Unnecessarily divided: Civil conversations reduce attitude polarization more than people expect. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 130(2), 187–214. https://doi.org/10.1037/pspa0000469