Abstract
The term polarization is used to describe both the division of a society into opposing groups (political polarization), and a social psychological phenomenon (group polarization) whereby people adopt more extreme positions after discussion. We explain how group polarization underpins the political polarization phenomenon: Social interaction, for example through social media, enables groups to form in such a way that their beliefs about what should be done to change the world – and how this differs from the stance of other groups - become integrated as aspects of a new, shared social identity. This provides a basis for mobilization to collective action.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Number of pages | 13 |
Journal | Communications Psychology |
Volume | 2 |
Issue number | 1 |
Early online date | 6 May 2024 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 6 May 2024 |