What is Ingroups vs. Outgroups (IO)?

Ingroups and Outgroups are like your best friends versus strangers on the playground.

Imagine you're at a big party with lots of kids. If you're hanging out with your ingroup, that means you're with people who feel like family, they know your favorite games, your jokes, and maybe even what you eat for breakfast. You all stick together because you have something in common, like being from the same school or sharing a love for ice cream.

But when you look over to the other side of the room, and there are kids who don’t know your name, that’s an outgroup, they’re just people who aren’t part of your group. It doesn’t mean they're bad; it's just that you haven't played together yet.

Sometimes, being in a group feels extra special because everyone supports each other. But when you're with the outgroup, you might feel like you're in a new game, and that’s okay too!

• Ingroups help you feel safe and understood.
• Outgroups can be fun to explore once you get to know them.

It's all about who you’re with, just like choosing your team for tag!