How Polarization Has Become a Societal Issue

Ideological differences

Regia Marinho
3 min readMar 17

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In this graphic, the 2023 Edelman Trust Barometer found six countries are now considered “severely polarized”.

Edelman has identified four metrics to watch:

  • Economic Anxieties
  • Institutional Imbalance
  • Class Divide
  • Battle for Truth

What is polarization?

Polarization is a phenomenon that occurs when a group or society becomes divided into opposing factions or viewpoints, often with strong emotional or ideological differences.

It can occur in various contexts, including political, social, and religious, among others.

Polarization can be fueled by a variety of factors, such as differences in ideology, values, cultural backgrounds, economic status, and media consumption habits.

When polarization occurs, people tend to identify more strongly with their own group and become less willing to listen to or empathize with those with different views.

This can lead to increased hostility, conflict, and even violence.

Polarization is a complex phenomenon that can have both positive and negative consequences.

On one hand, it can lead to greater engagement and activism among people who are passionate about their beliefs.

On the other hand, it can also lead to a breakdown in communication and compromise, making it more difficult to address complex societal problems.

Polarization. AI ART 2023 by R. Marinho + Midjourney

Polarization is a pervasive and growing issue in today’s world, affecting politics and society as a whole.

It occurs when people become divided into opposing factions or viewpoints, often with deep-seated ideological differences.

There is an increasing interest in this topic and its impact on our society.

This is why understanding polarization and its effects is crucial.

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Regia Marinho

I write about ideas, technology, the future and inspire the world through art. Artist. Civil engineer. https://regiaart.com