The Bubble Algorithms Built
It seems that since that since the news became easily accessible via the internet, public interest and involvement has rapidly increased. Now it's not a new phenomenon for certain outlets to have obvious political leanings, but it seems bipartisanship is more pronounced than ever. I believe that some of the blame belongs to online algorithms for many different sites or services that tailor the news you see for your own personal tastes. The algorithms are based on previous consumption. I think that this, by and large, insulates you from exposure to ideas or perspectives that run contrary to the ones you are commonly exposed to.
I think that this lack of exposure widens the divide between the left and the right. Perhaps by having your idea's or perspectives challenged by differing opinions, you become able to see the flaws therein. Perhaps the flaws in your perspective are in some way addressed by another opinion and vice versa, and you begrudgingly find some middle ground.
However, if you are only exposed to one type of perspective, you exist in an "echo chamber": a state in which only perspectives you already agree with are heard. Humans have a long history of confirmation bias. We tend not to question the things we like to hear. I personally believe that a lack of exposure to other political and social beliefs is what has been promulgating the outrage culture that exists on both sides of the poles. You have been incubating with such an immutable set of ideas, unchallenged and unquestioned, and then someone offers a point of view that conflicts with your perception of the world. It makes sense that the reaction would be incendiary.
I don't ever remember such a politically polarized time. Growing up it was just accepted that some people held different political views than others and that was just the way it is. It didn't make you enemies, just two people who felt differently about some things. Still fellow countrymen.
Just something I think of often.
I think that this lack of exposure widens the divide between the left and the right. Perhaps by having your idea's or perspectives challenged by differing opinions, you become able to see the flaws therein. Perhaps the flaws in your perspective are in some way addressed by another opinion and vice versa, and you begrudgingly find some middle ground.
However, if you are only exposed to one type of perspective, you exist in an "echo chamber": a state in which only perspectives you already agree with are heard. Humans have a long history of confirmation bias. We tend not to question the things we like to hear. I personally believe that a lack of exposure to other political and social beliefs is what has been promulgating the outrage culture that exists on both sides of the poles. You have been incubating with such an immutable set of ideas, unchallenged and unquestioned, and then someone offers a point of view that conflicts with your perception of the world. It makes sense that the reaction would be incendiary.
I don't ever remember such a politically polarized time. Growing up it was just accepted that some people held different political views than others and that was just the way it is. It didn't make you enemies, just two people who felt differently about some things. Still fellow countrymen.
Just something I think of often.
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