Group polarization is a phenomenon studied in the social sciences in which the decisions and opinions of individuals become more extreme when they are in group settings. According to the idea of group polarization, if an individual has an opinion on an issue, that opinion is likely to improve after a discussion of the issue with a group. In many cases, the concept of "more extreme decisions" is interpreted to refer strictly to riskier and savage decisions. It is important to note that decisions and actions in a group can tend to be extreme or extreme, and can be more cautious or riskier than a decision made by an individual.
There are several theories about the origin of group polarization, but the precise cause is not known, if there really is a well-defined case. One theory revolves around the idea of social comparison, the idea that all members of a group constantly analyze the behavior of others and try to act in a socially advantageous way. This often involves acting in a way that is somehow superior to the perceived "average" general behavior or posture on an issue. In many cases, this means taking a more extreme stance on an issue. Assuming that everyone in the group is working consciously or unconsciously to gain a social advantage in the group, the general opinion of the group tends to shift to a more extreme stance.
Another possible explanation for the phenomenon of group polarization is based simply on compromise. When taking any stance on an issue in a group, one should maintain that stance to avoid looking insecure or indecisive. Also, turning a vague lean to one side of an issue or the other into a statement made in front of a group turns the lean into a concrete opinion with witnesses. Moderate opinions or mild leanings become much more real when expressed and listened to by other people. When members of a group express an opinion or commit to a course of action, the rest of the groups expect them to stick to it.
Group polarization has been observed to occur in online discussions, as well as in physical discussions. This is especially true when those who participate in the discussion are anonymous. There tends to be a "one-shot" factor in the discussion, as people try to express more striking, original, and remarkable opinions and ideas. This results in a general group polarization effect as increasingly extreme opinions and ideas are brought into the discussion.