Plenty has been written academically about how 'echo chambers' as they are frequently portrayed in media are not really a thing. But I want to add some personal experience to the conversation.

For my activism work, I regularly hang out in (online) social spaces that do not at all align with my views or politics. Sometimes I attempt to participate, sometimes I just observe.

I cannot recall the last time I got literally anything positive out of trying to socially participate in those communities.

Certainly, the *observations* have been helpful to my activist work. But - and this is the crucial part - social participation *has never played a role in this*.

All that participating has brought me, is misery - harassment, slurs, constant argument. Nobody has learned anything from any of these encounters, nobody has broadened their views as a result. The added value compared to observation was zero, nada.

Broadening your perspective by understanding the viewpoints of others and looking outside of your comfort zone is a good thing, don't get me wrong. But the idea that this requires accepting those ideas in your personal social circles is hogwash that only serves to make space for abusive people who would otherwise not be tolerated.