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Do political ads contribute to polarization and division within society?

Campbell Sydry

As a user of various social media platforms, I have witnessed an increase in the number of political ads displayed on these websites over the years. While some may argue that these ads serve as a tool for informing citizens about political candidates and their beliefs, it is statistically proven that these ads contribute to polarization and division within society.

The reason for this is simple: political ads target specific demographics based on their political affiliations, beliefs, and ideologies. As a result, users of different political beliefs are exposed to different ads, further reinforcing their beliefs and forming strong opinions that can lead to division.

Ads targeting conservatives may display information about topics such as immigration, gun control, or religious freedom, all of which can trigger conservative voters to become more polarized and isolated from the liberal camp. Meanwhile, ads targeting liberals may contain messages about social justice, climate change, or income inequality, which can lead to a similar result with the liberal voters.

In addition, with the rise of misinformation campaigns and fake news, political ads can also play a role in further spreading these dangerous messages. A political ad promoting a falsehood can quickly go viral, leading to a misunderstanding of the facts and ultimately, deeper division.

It is crucial to understand the role that political ads play in shaping public opinion, as well as the importance of a diverse and unbiased discourse on social media. As users, we must be cautious and vigilant of the ads we are exposed to and seek out a variety of perspectives in order to form a truly informed opinion.

In conclusion, while political ads may serve as a tool for convincing voters and bringing political campaigns to the forefront, they also contribute to polarization and division within society. It is up to us, as users, to take responsibility for the information we consume and to strive towards a more diverse, unbiased conversation on social media.