The Impact of Social Media on Political Polarization: A Study of the 2020 U.S. Election

Abstract

Social media platforms have become powerful tools for political communication, but they have also contributed to increasing polarization, particularly during election cycles. This study investigates the role of social media in exacerbating political polarization during the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election. Through analysis of social media content, including posts from Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, we examined the spread of partisan narratives, misinformation, and echo chambers. Our findings reveal that social media not only amplified polarized discourse but also facilitated the dissemination of misinformation, contributing to a more divided electorate. The study highlights the urgent need for social media platforms to implement stronger content moderation policies and promote media literacy among users to mitigate the effects of political polarization.