Social media has been in the spotlight these days, drawing questions about its role on January 6, and in politics more widely. Most Americans, from their perspective, report a mix of effects: they call it at once an informative source of news, saying it gives them a voice, but also that it makes it harder to sort what’s true from what’s not. Many use it to connect with others and open dialogues — including with political opponents.
But we also see evidence that suggests it may give oxygen to the political divisions in society, because those who report posting or commenting about politics online are a little more ideological and less open to compromise, even as they believe their views are in the majority. CONTINUED
Fred Backus, CBS News
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