A unique social experiment is underway, connecting residents of San Francisco and Abilene, Texas, through a simple, yet provocative, premise: pick up the phone and talk to someone with opposing political views. A red phone booth in San Francisco urges locals to “call a Republican,” while a blue booth in Abilene encourages residents to “call a Democrat.”
A Bridge Across the Divide
The “Party Line” project, launched late Sunday afternoon, is the creation of Matter Neuroscience, a mental health startup researching the science of happiness and methods to combat major depressive disorders. The project facilitates direct conversations between individuals in these two cities, offering a chance to bypass the often-combative rhetoric of modern political discourse.
Researchers have already recorded over 150 conversations and voicemails, and initial results suggest a surprising trend: callers are largely choosing to find common ground rather than engage in conflict. Discussions have ranged from hobbies and culture to broader concerns about the economy and the state of the world.
The Science Behind Connection
Matter Neuroscience co-founder Ben Goldhirsh explained the project’s foundation in neuroscience. He noted that disagreement and conflict trigger the release of cortisol, a stress hormone, while positive human interaction stimulates the release of dopamine and cannabinoids, neurotransmitters associated with happiness. “We wanted to see what would happen when people had the chance to connect with people directly,” Goldhirsh said, “would they choose to argue and fight, or would they choose to find common ground?”
One recorded conversation highlighted this phenomenon. Steve, a San Francisco resident identifying as liberal, asked a mother of four in Abilene, “Are you a Republican?” Her response, initially affirmative, quickly evolved into a more nuanced “probably an independent.” The conversation then shifted to a shared sense of unease about the current state of the world, with Steve remarking, “See? We have so much in common!”
Beyond Politics: Shared Humanity
UCLA political science professor Chris Tausanovitch, author of a book on political polarization, wasn’t surprised by these findings. He explained that many Americans hold more moderate views than their elected representatives suggest. “A lot of the dislike of the other party arises because we don’t like the public stances of whichever party we’re not aligned with,” he said.
The project’s success has already sparked interest in expanding its reach. Matter Neuroscience has received requests to install phone booths in other locations, including a suggestion from Los Angeles rapper the Game to place them in areas with gang tensions, hoping to foster dialogue between opposing groups.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Party Line project?
The Party Line project is a social experiment created by Matter Neuroscience to explore whether people will choose to find common ground or engage in conflict when directly connected with someone holding opposing political views. It also aims to study the neurological effects of these interactions.
Where are the phone booths located?
Currently, there is a red phone booth outside Black Serum Tattoo studio in San Francisco, urging residents to “call a Republican,” and a blue phone booth outside Seven and One Books in Abilene, Texas, encouraging residents to “call a Democrat.”
What has been the initial response to the project?
Researchers have recorded over 150 conversations and voicemails, and the majority of callers have reportedly chosen to seek common ground, discussing topics ranging from hobbies to concerns about the state of the nation.
As the project continues, it could offer valuable insights into the potential for bridging divides in a deeply polarized society. Will the initial positive trend continue? Could this model be scaled to other communities and contexts?
