e.pluribus.us Programs

We are currently either executing or planning, as indicated, the following initial programs.

For ease of reference we assign descriptive names to each.

Program 1 — “LISTEN”: Develop a rapid, scalable method of understanding why people with opposing viewpoints think the way they do on any controversial topic. Ultimately, partner this with an interface that enables the public to more easily understand opponents.

• Status: Launched May, 2021, now active. See updates here.
• Results: The system has been deployed successfully four times and is on standby pending resources necessary for its next iteration.
• Illustrative application: We explored why people do or do not trust COVID vaccines and unearthed several surprising findings.
• Future: The tool can be applied against any controversial issue to understand the rationales behind opposing viewpoints. But its true potential will be realized when those results are presented in a user-friendly public portal, enabling citizens to quickly answer the question, “Why do those other people, over there, think that?” on any controversial topic. We have a vision for that application, which is the next step for Project LISTEN.

Program 2 — “INFLUENCE”: Develop a method of influencing public attitudes toward collaboration with opposing viewpoints.

• Status: Launched April, 2022, successfully progressed to version 4.0. See updates here.
• Results: Building on the tools of Project LISTEN, refined the polling system needed to measure attitudes before and after our messaging campaign, tested the campaign, then advanced to testing impacts on behavior. Developed method of measuring behavioral impact. Across multiple iterations involving several hundred thousand subjects, refined the intervention messaging and behavioral testing. Launched full-scale trial of this system October, 2024. Completed in November. Report forthcoming.
• Illustrative application: Target a specific political district with messaging aimed at encouraging voters to value in their candidates the ability to “accomplish-things-across-the-aisle.”
• Future: If we can achieve measurable results with this system, applications are widespread. Currently we’re just arranging independent verification of whether we’ve succeeded.

Program 3 — “collaboRATING”: Launch a system for rating elected representatives on the spectrum of demonstrated behavior at collaborating across parties to get things done.

• Status: Anticipate beginning development 2024

Program 4 — “LINKAGE”: Sponsor university research attempting to document if a linkage exists between (a) improved attitudes toward collaboration and (b) improved outcomes on joint tasks.

• Status: Anticipate beginning development in 2024

Media programs: We have several concepts around media initiatives aimed at scalably exposing broad audiences to others’ perspectives, to improve awareness around issues of open-mindedness, tolerance and collaboration.

Status: All media programs are in early phases of consideration.