Gizmodo: Researchers Made a Social Media Platform Where Every User Was AI. The Bots Ended Up at War. “A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands put AI chatbots in a simple social media structure to see how they interacted with each other and found that, even without the invisible hand of the algorithm, they tend to organize themselves based on […]

https://rbfirehose.com/2025/08/18/gizmodo-researchers-made-a-social-media-platform-where-every-user-was-ai-the-bots-ended-up-at-war/

The Conversation: Using TikTok could be making you more politically polarized, new study finds. “Some people are more outspoken about politics than others. We found that users with stronger political leanings and those who get more likes and comments on their videos are more motivated to keep posting. This shows the power of partisanship, but also the power of TikTok’s social rewards […]

https://rbfirehose.com/2025/06/30/the-conversation-using-tiktok-could-be-making-you-more-politically-polarized-new-study-finds/

Smithsonian: Smithsonian Statement. “Since its inception, the Smithsonian has set out to be a nonpartisan institution. As the nation’s museum, the Smithsonian must be a welcoming place of knowledge and discovery for all Americans. The Board of Regents is committed to ensuring that the Smithsonian is a beacon of scholarship free from political or partisan influence, and we recognize that our […]

https://rbfirehose.com/2025/06/10/smithsonian-smithsonian-statement/

Harvard Gazette: Social media fueled divisions. Teaming up may help heal.. “Algorithm-driven digital feeds have deepened the split between red and blue America. But a new online tool may help bring the country back together. The virtual quiz game Tango, developed at Harvard, pairs Democrats and Republicans on common teams, where bipartisanship quickly emerges as a competitive advantage.”

https://rbfirehose.com/2025/06/06/harvard-gazette-social-media-fueled-divisions-teaming-up-may-help-heal/

Jérôme Viala-Gaudefroy unveils the radical shift in Donald Trump's presidency, transforming into an authoritarian regime that embraces chaos and centralizes power. The rhetoric has evolved to a neo-imperial economic view, driving a wedge in democratic norms while invoking martyrdom among supporters. This exploration reveals the historical context shaping Trumpism and its impact on American politics. Dive deeper into this insightful analysis: https://www.alternet.org/the-republican-party-s-50-year/ #DonaldTrump #Authoritarianism #Populism #PoliticalPolarization #History #CulturalWar #MediaInfluence #Trumpism #AmericanPolitics

Concordia University: New Concordia research shows social networks are vulnerable to relatively simple AI manipulation and polarization. “It seems that no matter the topic of conversation, online opinion around it will be split into two seemingly irreconcilable camps. That’s largely a result of these platforms’ design, as the algorithms driving them direct users to like-minded peers. This […]

https://rbfirehose.com/2025/04/17/concordia-university-new-concordia-research-shows-social-networks-are-vulnerable-to-relatively-simple-ai-manipulation-and-polarization/

The phrase I'm stopping myself from saying most often..

"Why are prices so high?" - Because you vote Republican

"Why can't I get someone who speaks English when I call tech support?" - Because you vote Republican

"Why is our national debt so ridiculous?" - Because you vote Republican

"Why are people being laid off and their #jobs sent overseas?" - Because you vote Republican

"Why isn't it possible to have a #career any longer? Why is everything #GigWork?" - Because you vote Republican

"Why can't anyone afford #housing these days?" - Because you vote Republican

"Why are all these homeless people camped in my city?" - Because you vote Republican

"Why are #undocumented Mexican workers being hired instead of Americans?" - Because you vote Republican

"Why do we have such awful #PoliticalPolarization ?" - Because you vote Republican

"Why isn't the weather normal anymore?" - Because you vote Republican

"Why don't we give adequate care to our veterans?" - Because you vote Republican

"Why are my medication prices so high?" - Because you vote Republican

"Why is my healthcare so expensive, with so few doctors available in my area?" - Because you vote Republican

"Why do I pay $3.50 every time I withdraw cash from an ATM?" - Because you vote Republican

"Why is #college #tuition so expensive?" - Because you vote #Republican (OK, also some other reasons, but heavily the Republican thing)

"Why are people giving me the stink eye in the grocery store?" - I think you know.

Americans think political parties prefer extremists to moderates https://www.psypost.org/americans-think-political-parties-prefer-extremists-to-moderates/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=mastodon #PoliticalParties #Extremism #Moderates #PoliticalPolarization #Democrats

More biased = more trustworthy? New research uncovers a troubling trend among Democrats and Republicans https://www.psypost.org/more-biased-more-trustworthy-new-research-uncovers-a-troubling-trend-among-democrats-and-republicans/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=mastodon #PoliticalBias #PartisanLanguage #TrustInPolitics #PoliticalPolarization #DivisivePolitics

We know.

Study: Republicans Respond to Political Polarization by Spreading Misinformation, Democrats Don't
https://www.ama.org/2024/12/09/study-republicans-respond-to-political-polarization-by-spreading-misinformation-democrats-dont/
#politics #uspolitics #polarization #politicalpolarization

Forbidden knowledge claims polarize beliefs and critical thinking across political lines https://www.psypost.org/forbidden-knowledge-claims-polarize-beliefs-and-critical-thinking-across-political-lines/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=mastodon #ForbiddenKnowledge #CriticalThinking #Censorship #PoliticalPolarization #Misinformation

Donald Trump remains an influential figure in U.S. politics even while not holding office, actively pushing his agenda and negotiating with world leaders during trips abroad. This article examines his recent activities and the implications of his continued involvement on the global stage. Key takeaways from this situation include:
1.... Read more: https://steelefamlaw.com/cEZRBA #TrumpEffect #GlobalPolitics #FormerLeaders #PoliticalPolarization #DiplomaticEngagement

“Political contamination” can affect everyday choices in surprising ways https://www.psypost.org/political-contamination-can-affect-everyday-choices-in-surprising-ways/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=mastodon #PoliticalContamination #EverydayChoices #PoliticalPolarization #SocialIdentity #ReputationalMotivations

Scientists ran a simulation on political polarization—here’s the key insight that emerged https://www.psypost.org/scientists-ran-a-simulation-on-political-polarization-heres-the-key-insight-that-emerged/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=mastodon #PoliticalPolarization #SimulationInsights #SocialRelationships #ResearchFindings #OpinionAlignment

More evidence that #socialMedia #polarization may not be amplified by #algorithms?

"Exposure to like-minded #arguments [increased] #politicalPolarization [more] than exposure to opposing arguments. Algorithmic curation did not amplify these effects...." (N > 800 Germans across three waves)

Would you expect *more* or *less* polarization if — as in real reality — *people* controlled their argument exposure?

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chbr.2023.100343

A Very Strong Case Why MAGA Voters Are Stupid #USPolitics #DonaldTrump #RepublicanParty #PoliticalCommentary #VoterBehavior #PoliticalPolarization #LeeAtwater #RacismInPolitics #AmericanElections #YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrU6F-S8VMo

Using generic #language to express #politicalopinions can significantly amplify perceived differences between political parties in the United States. By examining how statements about party beliefs are presented and perceived, studies provide evidence that broad, sweeping statements contribute to a heightened sense of #polarization among the public.

#politicalpolarization

https://www.psypost.org/2024/02/new-study-reveals-how-language-fuels-u-s-political-polarization-221249

"Republicans Started a Civil War They Don’t Know How to End

#RepublicansCivilWar #PoliticalConflict
#GOPStruggles #PoliticalPolarization
#UncertainFuture #Politics #News"

Hate this defeatus headline. The GOP Civil War will be over when enough of their remaining sane members realize they have to 'compromise'. Their era of passing laws/bills with stupid solutions to complicated problems, debt increasing funding cuts, tax cuts that will not affect 99.9% of people, 'poison pills', etc. is over.

Republicans Started a Civil War They Don’t Know How to End

https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2023/10/republicans-started-a-civil-war-they-dont-know-how-to-end.html

Biden Calls Out Members of Congress 'Sowing So Much Division They're Willing to Shut Down the Government'

https://themessenger.com/politics/biden-calls-out-members-of-congress-sowing-so-much-division-theyre-willing-to-shut-down-the-government