Looking back on 2021 some of our biggest news stories were also our most contentious news stories. From January 6th, to Covid and the vaccine, to CRT, the biggest news in the US has also been the most divisive news. Why is that? Surprisingly, it’s not that we live in echo chambers and each tribe just reiterates its own take on the news back to itself. The cause of our polarization goes much deeper than that. On this episode we uncover some shocking research such as: exposure to the views of the other side actually deepens one’s resolve to his or her own side, 73% of political Tweets and generated by 6% of users, and more. Join us as we take a deep dive into what’s driving our national division and consider how we might move toward a better, more civil, civic engagement.

The following articles and podcasts helped form this episode:

Social Media, Identity, and the Church - Tim Keller

How COVID Has Affected Our Friendships—and What to Do About It - Jeremy Linneman

Biblical Objectivity, Joe Rogan, and Mainstream Media - The Church Politics Podcast

What is Biblical objectivity? - Marvin Olasky

Why the media is so polarized — and how it polarizes us - Ezra Klein

The Polarization Lab - Duke University

Why social media is so polarizing — and what we can do about it - Democracy Works Podcast

Social Media and Political Polarization in the United States, with Prof. Chris Bail - Social Media and Politics

Breaking the Social Media Prism: How to Make Our Platforms Less Polarizing - Chris Bail

What If We Don't Need To 'Fix' Polarization? - The NPR Politics Podcast

Opinion | How School Closures Made Me Question My Progressive Politics - Rebecca Bodenheimer

The And (&) Campaign on Twitter