Correcting misperceptions reduces hesitancy and heightens interest to engage in civil discourse.​

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Intergroup anxiety is the strongest factor shaping whether people want to connect across assumed political differences.

 

Much of this anxiety stems from overly negative misperceptions of those across the political spectrum, often called the “Perception Gap.” To address that, we highlight the “3C’s,” showing that Americans across parties are more Civil, Curious, and have more in Common than we think:

• Civil: Only a small minority believe hostility is acceptable in political conversations, yet people greatly overestimate how hostile the other side is.

• Curious: Americans are often interested in hearing opposing perspectives, but wrongly assume others are not.

• Common: Research consistently shows far more shared ground across the political spectrum than expected.

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Civil discourse also offers positive outcomes that some may not expect:

• Short-term: College students report they enjoy engaging in political discussions.

• Long-term: These encompass personal and professional benefits.