What are the effects of social media on political polarization?

How does social media contribute to political polarization?

Social media can amplify political polarization by creating echo chambers where users are exposed mainly to views that align with their own.

What are echo chambers?

Echo chambers are environments where a person only encounters information or opinions that reflect and reinforce their own.

Can social media also help reduce polarization?

Yes, social media can facilitate dialogue between opposing views, potentially reducing polarization if users engage with diverse perspectives.

What role do algorithms play in this?

Algorithms often prioritize content that generates engagement, which can lead to the promotion of extreme views and further polarization.