Final answer:
Group Polarization, not Groupthink, best describes the strengthening of group attitudes post-discussion. It is fueled by homophily and may lead to extremity in group views. Combating groupthink, which can hinder diverse opinions, involves seeking diverse inputs and ensuring open dialogue within groups.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Group Polarization and Groupthink
The phenomenon described in the question is Group Polarization, which is characterized by the strengthening of the original group attitude after discussing views within the group. This reinforcement occurs because of homophily, where individuals associate with those similar to themselves, potentially leading to decreased exposure to contrasting views and, therefore, more extreme group consensus. Groupthink, on the other hand, involves group members modifying their opinions to align with what they perceive as group consensus, often at the cost of suppressing dissent and possibly resulting in poor decision-making.
Strategies to combat groupthink include seeking outside opinions, voting in private, and conducting rigorous research on all viewpoints, while understanding that confirmation bias can exacerbate both groupthink and group polarization, particularly in the context of self-selected media consumption which avoids challenging pre-existing beliefs.