The “M’s” Leading to More Civil Discourse – at Colleges and Beyond
More motivation, minimized misperceptions, and messaging from the micro to the macro
August 25, 2026
Most efforts to build civil discourse focus on teaching skills, but skills alone don't address the deeper anxieties keeping Americans from talking across political lines. A framework backed by behavioral science—more motivation, minimized misperceptions, and messaging from the micro to the macro—is reshaping campus culture at Michigan State and beyond.
