Emergence of Hyperpolarization (VIDEO)
Caption
The simulation demonstrates the emergence of hyperpolarization, showing the link between social emotions and opinion divergence. The three dimensions correspond to three political issues (e.g., marihuana legalization, gay marriage, or income taxation). The space spanned by these dimensions is the "opinion space." Each blue dot represents an individual. From random positions, individuals rapidly converge in the middle of the opinion space (where all three issues are irrelevant). At the same time, they align themselves along a diagonal, corresponding to the political spectrum, i.e. from far left to center to far right. In the next step, they split into two groups, corresponding to political parties. Members of the same party now have identical opinions on all three issues, and opposing opinions to the other party. This conflict creates positive feelings towards one's party colleagues and animosity towards the other party, driving the individuals ever further apart, until they are in opposite corners of the opinion space.
Credit
© CSH Vienna
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License
Licensed content