How does political polarization of the media impact our political system?
What will be an ideal response?
Answer:
An ideal response will:
1. Explain how political polarization is the process by which people self-select news sources that map onto their ideological preferences, and thus they only hear news that mirrors their existing political beliefs.
2. Explain that this has the overall effect of constricting political debate because media consumers are never exposed to beliefs that challenge their own.
3. Explain that this minimizes the possibility for consensus or compromise, as it prevents citizens from hearing positions that might help them find common ground with people of differing opinions.
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