Paperclips and opinion dynamics in Groningen

On 2025-12-05, a workshop on the “Paperclip Game of Opinions” took place at University College Groningen. The session was led by Wander Jager and attended by ten students with liberal arts backgrounds. The workshop consisted of three rounds of the game.

In the first round, the “accepting society” scenario was played, in which all participants were assigned a high tolerance level. In the second round, the “unaccepting society” scenario was introduced, with all participants given a low tolerance level. In the third round, the group was divided into two subgroups, with all participants assigned a medium level of tolerance. After the first round, opinions quickly converged, and eventually everyone agreed with one another. Students reflected that while consensus can feel positive, complete agreement may also be risky. They emphasized the importance of maintaining a diverse “ecosystem” of opinions.

During the second round, students discussed the factors that might lower tolerance levels and contribute to social intolerance. They reflected on how fear during the COVID-19 period and anger surrounding the Gaza issue can intensify polarization. In the third round, students reflected on the formation of social “bubbles.” They discussed how current social media algorithms can reinforce these bubbles by exposing individuals primarily to like-minded perspectives, thereby limiting meaningful engagement with differing views.

Overall, the three rounds of the game fostered deep reflection and discussion about how societies process opinions and differences. The workshop helped students recognize the importance of viewing issues from multiple perspectives and understanding the dynamics that shape, polarization, and consensus.