The Research Behind Kin
Kin is an innovative online platform with deep roots in the science of prejudice reduction and the science of how to connect and form authentic and safe relationships across the differences that typically divide us.
“From my perspective as a scientist AND a human being, KIN is exactly what our society needs right now: An innovative, powerful, and evidence-based tool for connecting across the differences that divide us. KIN embodies some of the most important findings from social science on how to connect with others who are different from us. I can’t think of a more important moment for this work.”
Dr. Jonathan W. Kanter, Ph.D.
Director, University of Washington Center for Social Connection
Why are Tools like Kin Necessary?
Why are Tools like Kin Necessary?
To put it simply, we must spend time with each other in order to understand each other. Effectively reducing prejudice requires people to be willing to invest their time developing authentic relationships and social connections across cultural and/or social differences.
But without intentionally designed frameworks for intergroup conversations such as Kin Universe, intergroup interactions can go poorly and produce harm as a result of societal or personal prejudices or bias, whether conscious or unconscious.
Learn more about the research and sign up to receive updates from Kin Universe here.
How does prejudice reduction work?
How does prejudice reduction work?
In order for prejudice reduction to be successful interpersonal exchanges across differences must be experienced as equitable by both groups. The basis of equity in close and trusting relationships is reciprocity, which is when both members of the interaction experience and express vulnerability.
Reciprocal vulnerability is critical to prejudice reduction because it is deeply connected to how people build trust and emotionally connect with others. It requires both people in an interaction to respond well to each other’s vulnerability.
Learn more about the research and sign up to receive updates from Kin Universe here.
How Kin Leverages Cutting Edge Research
How Kin Leverages Cutting Edge Research
Kin’s approach to building understanding and connection across difference is rooted in a fundamental principle of relationship science reciprocal vulnerability.
Kin’s process is based on the “closeness generating” procedure, later dubbed the “fast friends” procedure.
This process quickly produces feelings of friendship by creating staged and controlled experiences. The experiences creates both vulnerability and safety at the same time, allowing participants to step up to increasing levels of vulnerability gradually and together, without unpredictable difficulties.
Learn more about the research and sign up to receive updates from Kin Universe here.
