Part 8/14:
Social media further exacerbates this problem. Studies show a vast majority of content, especially on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), emanates from a tiny fraction of users—around 10%. These users tend to hold extreme views, creating a perception of widespread consensus that isn’t reflective of the broader population. Ordinary individuals, fearing backlash, self-silence or conform to these exaggerated narratives, which skews public perception and dialogue.
This dynamic contributes heavily to polarization, as only the loudest, most extreme voices are heard, drowning out moderate or nuanced perspectives. The result is a society increasingly divided not just by disagreement but by the inability to have honest, respectful conversations.