Political polarization has become one of the most pressing challenges in today’s global landscape. As political discourse becomes more divisive, citizens and institutions struggle with its broader implications. Mayfield Senior School history teacher Ms. Garcez explains that “It is important for students to learn how to engage in civil discourse.” Polarization takes several forms that may affect public attitudes, the quality and nature of governance, and how democratic societies are connected.
According to a September 2024 study, “Social Media and News Fact Sheet” published by Pew Research, over half the U.S. adults (54%) say that they at least get some of their information from social media.
The instant availability of facts, combined with news outlets that price themselves to please a specific political base, leads us directly into that old fraternity environment. Left-leaning media sources that only promote progressive values, and right-leaning outlets that exclusively support conservative ideals play a significant role in sowing political polarization.
In the New Yorker Article, “How Biased is the Media, Really?” Jay Caspian Kang states that “Every news organization that feigns objectivity is actually heavily slanted toward the left. Not only that; the media is actively working with the Democrats to defeat Donald Trump.” Choosing which facts to report that seem only to confirm the bias of their viewers exacerbates the issue. A Statista survey from July 2022 asked Americans how they felt about the effects of bias in news on their ability to sort out facts, and revealed that 50 percent felt there was so much bias in the news that it was difficult to discern what was factual from information that was not. Additionally, cable news networks, social media platforms, and digital news websites are often accused of promoting sensationalism, focusing on emotional appeals rather than balanced reporting.
According to communication experts, this trend encourages what is known as “affective polarization,” wherein individuals differ in opinions and hold negative feelings toward others with opposing views. A study conducted by the Pew Research Center reveals that Americans with extreme political ideologies are much less likely to view members from the opposite party favorably compared to moderates.
A Facebook whistleblower sparked congressional hearings after a former Facebook employee told members of Congress that the company is aware of the misinformation and content it spreads on its site but refuses to make changes that could negatively impact its income. Algorithms on sites such as Twitter and Facebook frequently promote content that elicits emotional responses, guiding users into echo chambers that reinforce their opinions. This bias towards affirmation further divides people politically as they become more rooted in their perspectives. Echo chambers, secluded circles where individuals mainly encounter viewpoints and information that align with their own, play a role in fueling political divisions further apart. As people surround themselves with like-minded peers, they become insulated from differing perspectives, which makes compromise and consensus more difficult to achieve. This tendency is often linked to social media but can also be observed in real-life interactions. Studies indicate that individuals tend to gravitate towards circles that align with their beliefs and values; hence, political ideologies often intertwine with one’s sense of self.
Communication convenience and connectivity, online platforms have made it effortless for individuals to seek out communities while avoiding those that differ in opinions and beliefs from their circle of friends and contacts. Due to this trend toward identity-centered polarization, affiliations are becoming increasingly inflexible. This causes shifts from issue-oriented debates to identity-driven divisions that limit the opportunity for nuanced discussions, as altering one’s standpoint is perceived not as reevaluating a policy but as a fundamental challenge to one’s core identity and values.
Polarization leads to policy paralysis for legislators possibly overly-concerned with polls. It puts a hold to pass important laws even when there is widespread public backing for them. According to https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/statistics, the amount of Enacted Legislation has decreased from 1,138 in 1973 to 320 in 2023. The ongoing debates surrounding healthcare reform, climate change, and gun control continue to spark disagreements that impede any advancement as both major political parties remain steadfast in their opposing viewpoints.
California’s ballot initiative process gives California citizens a way to propose laws and constitutional amendments without the support of the Governor or the Legislature. This year’s state propositions from funding climate infrastructure, raising the state minimum wage, to protecting marriage equality, sought to bring issues important to voters before the state’s residents.
Sources:
Social Media and News Fact Sheet
How Biased is the Media, Really?
A Statista survey from July 2022
https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/statistics
