2023/06/29 by Michael Brüggemann, Hendrik Meyer · 1 voice · 7 citations
Physics and Astronomy · Social Sciences · #Electoral Systems and Political Participation #Opinion Dynamics and Social Influence #Social Media and Politics
paper · pdf · doi:10.1093/ct/qtad012
openalex publication_date 2023/06/29 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/30
Abstract “Polarization” is a common diagnosis of the state of contemporary societies. Yet, few studies theorize or systematically analyze how polarization evolves in media content. To guide future empirical studies, we introduce a public sphere perspective on polarization. Discursive Polarization, defined as divergence emerging in public communication, may disrupt the public sphere if left untamed. Its analysis should combine the study of ideological polarization (increasing disagreement about issues) and affective polarization (growing disaffection between groups) as evolving in communication. Both processes may be measured in media content. We propose a framework combining the study of journalism and digital communication networks, investigating (1) content and (2) networked interactions regarding both political issues and social identity formation. The exploration of how the public sphere is disrupted in the process of Discursive Polarization may help us to understand the wider social phenomenon of polarization: before societies break apart, debates break apart.