Community challenges

interest in connection generally exceeds the frequency with which they report doing it. For example, even the most frequently cited activity, “engaging in an extended conversation,” is exceeded in interest by about 30 percent, on average.

The discrepancy between interest and engagement for “working to achieve a mutual goal” is likely reflective of the fact that this behavior often requires intentional coordination, resourcing, and planning.

Community norms—shared beliefs about how common and valued connecting across difference is within one’s community—is the strongest predictor of interest. When individuals believe that their community values, and frequently practices, connecting across difference, they are more likely to show interest in doing so themselves. • Intergroup anxiety—the... See more

The most common reason Americans give for not interacting more with people from different backgrounds is a “lack of opportunity.” This suggests that many Americans may simply not have the chance to interact more because features of their circumstances prevent it. Some (although fewer) say bridging connection simply isn’t a priority for them. Others... See more

The most common reason Americans give for not interacting more with people from different backgrounds is a “lack of opportunity.” • About a quarter of Americans, on average, say that a “lack of opportunity” prevents them from connecting more across all lines of difference (race/ethnicity: 28 percent, politics: 21 percent, socioeconomic status: 30 p... See more

These factors are more predictive of interest than demographic characteristics, suggesting that psychological factors may play a more significant role than identity in shaping people’s approach to connection

connecting across political differences, compared to connecting across other lines of difference: They “don’t have the energy” (18 percent), they think it would be uncomfortable (17 percent), and that they would be misunderstood (17 percent). People were also more likely to cite “concerns for my personal safety” (13 percent) as a challenge to conne... See more