Media Polarization: What's Really On Your Feed
An interactive course into how social media algorithms shape our emotions, our feeds, and our understanding of the world
Index
Introduction
How Polarization Works
Significance of Polarization
Media Training Exercise
So What Now?
Introduction
What is polarization really about?
Polarization is a word we hear all the time, but what does it actually mean, and why does it matter? Today, it’s shaping how people think, feel, and interact both online and in real life. In this experience, we’ll break down how it works, why it’s growing, and what we can do about it.
Click the icons for each question
Understanding the content you interact with
Anger spreads the fastest, but all of these emotions are marketed off of
Question 1
The platform always profits the most from user engagement and interaction
Question 2
If you only see the same kind of posts each day, you'll start thinking everyone agrees with you. This isn't the reality of how thoughts and ideas function in the real world.
Other than scrolling past it, the algorithm views all of these choices as engagement
Question 3
High engagement can make a post feel more trustworthy, even when it's not necessarily true
Question 4
Click the plus for more info
How polarization works and how we know it's real
Polarization is when people split into opposing groups, not just in what they believe, but in how they feel about each other. Social media plays a major role in shaping these emotional reactions and deepening those divisions.
why polarization is important
SOCIAL MEDIA AMPLIFIES DIVISION
Social media platforms are designed to trigger strong emotional reactions because engagement (likes, comments, and shares) drives profit. This can deepen divisions, spread harmful content, and even contribute to real-world consequences like distrust, discrimination, and violence. What feels like meaningful interaction is often part of a system built to keep us reacting.
media analysis training exercise
Determine which posts serve which purposes
Example One
Example Two
Ask yourself the following questions:
1. Is this polarizing, and how do you know?2. What kind of emotional response is intended?3. Who is intended to have this response?
Answers
Answers
What can we do about it?
Understanding polarization is the first step, but change starts with us.
While we can’t control the systems behind social media, we can focus on building real connections and thinking more critically about what we see online. Strengthening our communities and conversations offline is one of the most powerful ways to push back.
Thank You Very Much
Team Members
Christian Baydaline, Julianna Lee, Nate Wamsley, Isaiah Wright, Jon Wyatt
Q2: It’s likely meant to trigger frustration, defensiveness, or agreement. Depending on the viewer, it can make people feel validated or attacked.
post about swedish activist greta thunberg
Q1: Yes, this post presents two clearly opposing viewpoints about privilege and activism. One side frames helping others as a responsibility, while the other dismisses it as “useless,” creating a strong divide between groups.
Q3: People with strong opinions about privilege, work, or activism. It especially targets those who identify with one side, encouraging them to react or argue.
Q2: Again, it’s meant to provoke irritation and defensiveness, or even humor through sarcasm. The tone encourages people to react rather than calmly consider both sides.
post about wearing masks during the pandemic
Q1: Yes, this post shows a direct disagreement where one person’s claim is challenged in a sarcastic and dismissive way. It sets up a clear conflict that invites people to take sides.
Q3: Anyone who has an opinion on the topic, especially those who already agree with one side. It draws in people who are likely to defend their viewpoint or criticize the other.
Supported By:
Carpenter, J., Brady, W., Crockett, M., Weber, R., & Sinnott-Armstrong, W. (2021). Political polarization and moral outrage on social media. Connecticut Law Review, 52(3), 1107–1120.
Supported By:
Vaidhyanathan, S. (2021). Antisocial media: How Facebook disconnects us and undermines democracy (Updated edition.). Oxford University Press.
Supported By:
Vaidhyanathan, S. (2021). Antisocial media: How Facebook disconnects us and undermines democracy (Updated edition.). Oxford University Press.
Supported By:
Smith, L. G. E., Thomas, E. F., Bliuc, A. M., & McGarty, C. (2024). Polarization is the psychological foundation of collective engagement. Communications psychology, 2(1), 41. https://doi.org/10.1038/s44271-024-00089-2
Media Polarization: What's Really On Your Feed
Christian Baydaline
Created on April 13, 2026
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Transcript
Media Polarization: What's Really On Your Feed
An interactive course into how social media algorithms shape our emotions, our feeds, and our understanding of the world
Index
Introduction
How Polarization Works
Significance of Polarization
Media Training Exercise
So What Now?
Introduction
What is polarization really about?
Polarization is a word we hear all the time, but what does it actually mean, and why does it matter? Today, it’s shaping how people think, feel, and interact both online and in real life. In this experience, we’ll break down how it works, why it’s growing, and what we can do about it.
Click the icons for each question
Understanding the content you interact with
Anger spreads the fastest, but all of these emotions are marketed off of
Question 1
The platform always profits the most from user engagement and interaction
Question 2
If you only see the same kind of posts each day, you'll start thinking everyone agrees with you. This isn't the reality of how thoughts and ideas function in the real world.
Other than scrolling past it, the algorithm views all of these choices as engagement
Question 3
High engagement can make a post feel more trustworthy, even when it's not necessarily true
Question 4
Click the plus for more info
How polarization works and how we know it's real
Polarization is when people split into opposing groups, not just in what they believe, but in how they feel about each other. Social media plays a major role in shaping these emotional reactions and deepening those divisions.
why polarization is important
SOCIAL MEDIA AMPLIFIES DIVISION
Social media platforms are designed to trigger strong emotional reactions because engagement (likes, comments, and shares) drives profit. This can deepen divisions, spread harmful content, and even contribute to real-world consequences like distrust, discrimination, and violence. What feels like meaningful interaction is often part of a system built to keep us reacting.
media analysis training exercise
Determine which posts serve which purposes
Example One
Example Two
Ask yourself the following questions:
1. Is this polarizing, and how do you know?2. What kind of emotional response is intended?3. Who is intended to have this response?
Answers
Answers
What can we do about it?
Understanding polarization is the first step, but change starts with us.
While we can’t control the systems behind social media, we can focus on building real connections and thinking more critically about what we see online. Strengthening our communities and conversations offline is one of the most powerful ways to push back.
Thank You Very Much
Team Members
Christian Baydaline, Julianna Lee, Nate Wamsley, Isaiah Wright, Jon Wyatt
Q2: It’s likely meant to trigger frustration, defensiveness, or agreement. Depending on the viewer, it can make people feel validated or attacked.
post about swedish activist greta thunberg
Q1: Yes, this post presents two clearly opposing viewpoints about privilege and activism. One side frames helping others as a responsibility, while the other dismisses it as “useless,” creating a strong divide between groups.
Q3: People with strong opinions about privilege, work, or activism. It especially targets those who identify with one side, encouraging them to react or argue.
Q2: Again, it’s meant to provoke irritation and defensiveness, or even humor through sarcasm. The tone encourages people to react rather than calmly consider both sides.
post about wearing masks during the pandemic
Q1: Yes, this post shows a direct disagreement where one person’s claim is challenged in a sarcastic and dismissive way. It sets up a clear conflict that invites people to take sides.
Q3: Anyone who has an opinion on the topic, especially those who already agree with one side. It draws in people who are likely to defend their viewpoint or criticize the other.
Supported By:
Carpenter, J., Brady, W., Crockett, M., Weber, R., & Sinnott-Armstrong, W. (2021). Political polarization and moral outrage on social media. Connecticut Law Review, 52(3), 1107–1120.
Supported By:
Vaidhyanathan, S. (2021). Antisocial media: How Facebook disconnects us and undermines democracy (Updated edition.). Oxford University Press.
Supported By:
Vaidhyanathan, S. (2021). Antisocial media: How Facebook disconnects us and undermines democracy (Updated edition.). Oxford University Press.
Supported By:
Smith, L. G. E., Thomas, E. F., Bliuc, A. M., & McGarty, C. (2024). Polarization is the psychological foundation of collective engagement. Communications psychology, 2(1), 41. https://doi.org/10.1038/s44271-024-00089-2