Can a GSS stimulate group polarization? An empirical study

This study investigates the impact of the electronic communication and anon ymity capabilities of a group support system (GSS) on group polarization. T hree support levels were studied: verbal support, identified GSS support, a nd anonymous GSS support. Information exposure was varied at two levels: ex posure to positions without arguments and exposure to positions with argume nts. The dependent variables were preference change and choice shift. Anony mous GSS groups produced higher choice shift than verbal groups. Anonymous GSS groups who were exposed to positions with arguments also had higher pre ference change than groups in other treatments. These results indicate that the anonymity and electronic communication capabilities of a GSS can be us ed conjointly to stimulate group polarization, especially when groups excha nge mutual positions and arguments.