[TrevorJ]

I think on an individual level it is far more influencing than we realize. We are hard wired to entrench or re-consider our stances on things based on the opinions of our circle of friends. If Social media only presents us with opinions that reaffirm our own, that's a very powerful signal.

I am pretty convinced this has a lot to do with the trend towards extreme polarization of politics for example. The echo chamber allows both sides to entrench further, while both fully believe that the majority of people believe as they do.