Political Polarization

Political polarization, the increasing divergence of opinions and attitudes along ideological lines, is a significant societal concern currently investigated through computational social science methods. Research focuses on modeling opinion dynamics in social networks, often employing agent-based models, large language models (LLMs), and machine learning algorithms to analyze language use and predict polarization trends across various media platforms. These studies aim to understand the mechanisms driving polarization, identify potential mitigation strategies, and develop tools for measuring and monitoring its effects, ultimately contributing to a better understanding of its impact on social cohesion and democratic processes.