Ep. 190: The Campus Conversation Gap (w/ Fred Duong)

Are college students avoiding difficult conversations, or are they simply looking for safer ways to have them? In this episode of Psychology and Stuff, host Alison Jane Martingano welcomes Fred Duong of More in Common to discuss a nationwide study on civil dialogue in higher education funded by The Arthur Vining Davis Foundations. Drawing on surveys, experiments, and social media analysis, Duong examines what students and faculty really think about polarization, free speech, and respectful disagreement. Together, they explore why students consistently express a desire for dialogue despite fears of social consequences, how online conversations can misrepresent campus realities, and what universities can do to foster trust and constructive engagement. Their conversation offers a hopeful look at the role dialogue can play in strengthening both higher education and democracy. Learn More about More in Common: https://moreincommonus.com/ Arthur Vining Davis Foundation: https://www.avdf.org/ Follow us on Instagram:   / psychandstuff