The interplay of misperceptions and willingness to share opinions in full classroom networks: The case of opinions towards homosexuality

Social norms influence homophobic behavior, yet these norms are often misperceived. We study the extent to which friendship ties and group memberships are related to misperceptions of opinions towards homosexuality, and how these misperceptions are sustained in social networks through opinion sharing. We find that misperceptions lead individuals to be less willing to share their opinions with ethno-religious ingroup members, non-friends or with individuals whom they perceive to hold different opinions. Although differences observed in the context of this study are relatively small, they may add up over time. These results offer scope for interventions that try to reduce norm misperceptions between groups - as a way to stimulate social change towards a more tolerant society. • We studied whether students misperceived others’ opinions towards homosexuality, and how this relates to opinion sharing. • Others’ perceived opinions affected students’ opinion sharing, yet these perceptions were often inaccurate. • In a counterfactual simulation, correcting misperceptions of opinions did not substantially change opinion sharing by students. • Students were more willing to share opinions with friends and ingroup members, irrespective of their opinions. • Correcting misperceptions increased opinion sharing with others whose opinions were originally (mis)perceived as opposite.