The term "echo chamber" has indeed evolved from its original usage in the context of audio recording and reverb technology to describe a social phenomenon. This shift in meaning has taken place gradually over time, but it gained prominence particularly with the rise of social media platforms.

An echo chamber, in the context of social and political discussions, refers to a situation where __individuals are exposed only to information and opinions that align with their own beliefs and values__. This occurs when people surround themselves with like-minded individuals or when algorithms on social media platforms create personalized feeds that cater to users' preferences, reinforcing their existing beliefs.

The metaphor of an echo chamber is apt because it illustrates how __people's opinions can be amplified without being challenged or diversified__, just as sound is amplified and reverberated in an actual echo chamber. This phenomenon has become more prevalent and widely recognized in recent years due to the growing influence of social media and the internet on our lives. 

The term has been increasingly used in media and academic research since the early 2000s. It is also often used interchangeably with __“filter bubble”__, a concept coined by internet activist Eli Pariser in 2011 to describe how personalized algorithms on online platforms can create isolated information environments for users.

The echo chamber effect can contribute to the polarization of opinions, as people become more entrenched in their beliefs and less willing to engage in constructive dialogues with others who hold differing views. As a result, the term "echo chamber" has taken on a __negative connotation__ and is often used as a critique of contemporary media consumption habits and the potential consequences for public discourse.
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