Fostering a curiosity mindset may reduce harmful content online by promoting empathy and the exploration of new ideas. Approaching discussions with an open and curious mind may mean people are less likely to react in a way that triggers a stress response. This is because the goal shifts from the desire to uphold beliefs that validate one’s worldview to the exploration of new ideas.
How we process and evaluate information can be impacted by one of two motivational factors, these are: defence and accuracy motives. When we operate from a defence motivation we have the desire to defend our existing attitudes, beliefs and behaviours. This can undermine curiosity and the exploration of new ideas. However, when we operate using an accuracy motivation, we desire to form an accurate assessment of the information presented. A curiosity mindset encourages the use of accuracy over a defence motive.
Fostering curiosity may be achieved by modelling a curiosity mindset, and providing positive reinforcement when others ask questions and engage in thoughtful discussion. This can be modelled in schools, tertiary education and workplaces. A curiosity mindset also involves recognising one’s own biases and assumptions, and the exploration of new ideas and experiences before reaching a conclusion. A curiosity mindset promotes a willingness to consider a wide variety of beliefs as possibly being true, making judgements without bias or prejudice. Fostering a curious mindset may reduce prejudice and overcome stereotypes, which often are the basis for harmful content online.
