This study investigates anticonformity as a possible intervention for depolarizing society, as described in Lipiecki & Sznajd-Weron (2025). In their opinion dynamics model, based on the q-voter model, they show that anticonforming—understood here as the assertion of uniqueness—can influence groups to reduce issue-based polarization. Their model suggests that such an anticonformity intervention may be more effective than traditional approaches, such as increasing interactions between opposing factions or promoting tolerance.

We bridge the gap between the modeling results and real human behavior by conducting an online group experiment in which we test if 1) anticonformity, 2) between-faction interaction, and 3) tolerance can reduce polarization and reach a more middle-ground opinion. We use a vignette where participants imagine that they are part of a neighborhood that makes a decision about an issue based on the voted majority. This issue divides participants into factions based on their initial opinions. We measure their opinion changes to evaluate the effect of interventions on polarization. In this talk, I will present the initial results from the first four conditions in the experiments (N=328). We expect that, similar to the model outcomes, neighbourhoods with between-faction interaction and anticonformists will show reduction in polarization and increase middle-ground consensus. 

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