To What Extent Does Social Media Contribute to the Political Polarization and Spread of Misinformation Among the General Public?

Abstract

The emergence of social media as a pervasive force in modern society has created both opportunities and challenges for the promotion of democratic values and social progress. On the one hand, social media has enabled individuals around the world to connect with each other, share information, and engage in public debate in ways that were previously unimaginable. It has democratized the dissemination of knowledge and empowered individuals to participate in social and political movements with unprecedented speed and scale.

On the other hand, the rise of social media has also given rise to concerns about its impact on political polarization and the spread of misinformation among the general public. In particular, social media has been accused of facilitating the spread of "fake news" and propaganda, which can distort our understanding of the world and erode the trust in democratic institutions. Moreover, social media has been criticized for its ability to create "echo chambers" and "filter bubbles," in which individuals are exposed only to information that confirms their pre-existing beliefs and biases, leading to increased polarization and fragmentation of public discourse.

Keywords: International Relations, Social media, Politics, Modern society