Undermining the Violence of Polarization
The phenomenon is known as false polarization : polarization based not on genuine differences in the modal views of each side but on misperceived differences. According to Parker and colleagues, false polarization is amplified by partisan media, and has various harmful knock-on effects - effects potentially damaging to the democratic process.
Steve Stewart-Williams • Imaginary Enemies
Who in the public sphere is stoking your fears and pushing these messages that fill your TV sets and social media feeds? Who is telling you to be angry? Which politician is tossing you the red meat that tells you that it’s okay to hate or even harm others whom they are casting as rivals?
Stephen W. Porges • Our Polyvagal World
Social media algorithms identify our politics and then shepherd us into a hermetically sealed bubble, framing our worldview through a window of rage and extremism.