Avoiding Echo Chambers

"Surround yourself with like-minded people."

This seems like sound and wise counsel. It sounds cozy and comforting. We'll all get along, drink hot cocoa, and Kumbaya until morning.

First, that's not how it works. Echo chambers exist all over the Internet. They are the furthest thing from cozy. They're loud, relentless, and echo-y.

Secondly, we need diverse ideas in the same way we need diverse people. Don't seek affirmation. That's too easy. Seek those who challenge your opinions. This expands the way you view the world, and will probably provide you with better ways to survey your situation.

Good leaders look for the dissenting view. It helps avoid confirmation bias and myopic problem-solving. Avoid self-made echo chambers. The echo is always noisier than the source.

Surround yourself with people different from and smarter than you.

While diversity might occasionally bruise the ego, you're much better off.