Has the internet, and in particular social media, increased political polarization in presidential elections in the United States? Political polarization has been increasing in recent years....Show moreHas the internet, and in particular social media, increased political polarization in presidential elections in the United States? Political polarization has been increasing in recent years. Ideological polarization is mainly caused by elite polarization and partisan media. In periods of presidential elections, however, social media plays a big role in influencing the public via candidate’s online campaigns but also via online activity of partisan media. The factor of engagement and the ability to create a partisan “echo chamber” on online platforms are reasons why social media has an impact on the electorate. This thesis finds that the internet and social media have had a noticeable impact on political polarization in presidential elections in the United States, but are not a sole or main cause of the increase.Show less
