Abstract

The proliferation of social media has transformed political communication by making information abundant, instantaneous, and participatory. A majority of Americans now encounter at least some of their news through these platforms, turning them into primary arenas for real-time political discourse. Yet the same affordances that lower barriers to information and broaden access to diverse viewpoints have also intensified politicization and subsequent polarization. Ideological divides now shape reactions to issues that were once considered apolitical; decisions grounded in scientific guidance—such as masking, staying indoors, and vaccination during the COVID-19 pandemic—became sharply polarized in the United States.

Date

2026

Authors

Ashwin Rao

Institution

University of Southern California