Mitigating Confirmation Bias in Group Communication at Al-Ikhlas Mosque, East Medan District

Abstract

Confirmation bias is a cognitive bias that may influence group communication and lead to less objective decision-making. This article aims to analyze the role of deliberation (musyawarah) as a mechanism for mitigating confirmation bias in group communication during conflict resolution at Al-Ikhlas Mosque, East Medan District. The study focuses on how group communication through deliberation prevents prejudice from dominating the decision-making process and promotes fair decisions based on comprehensive information. This study employs a qualitative method with a case study approach by examining the deliberation process involving the Mosque Prosperity Board (BKM), community leaders, and individuals directly involved in the conflict. The findings indicate that deliberation provides equal opportunities for all parties to present their perspectives, resulting in more comprehensive information and reducing the influence of confirmation bias. The deliberation concluded that the mosque caretaker should be dismissed because his actions had caused discomfort and unrest within the mosque community, while also clarifying that allegations regarding his sexual orientation were unsupported by concrete evidence. Therefore, deliberation functions not only as an effective form of group communication in conflict resolution but also as a mechanism for achieving objective, fair, and accountable decision-making.