More than Just the Facts: a New Theory of Misinformation and Polarization in Contemporary American Politics

Abstract

This senior thesis examines the relationship between misinformation and polarization in contemporary American politics. It seeks to better understand the consequences of misinformation and role of polarization in propagating misinformation in the political news media environment. It theorizes that misinformation increases affective polarization in a manner that factual corrections fail to address. Further, high levels of misinformation can only exist in a politically polarized media environment where citizens are tolerant of or even seek out attitude congruent misinformation. The interdependence of polarization and misinformation leads to a negative feedback cycle between the two, worsening partisan divisions and exacerbating misperceptions along partisan lines in a manner not easily or adequately addressed by increasing news source literacy or factual accuracy. A survey experiment supports the notion that misinformation depends affective divides and that corrections do not remedy its consequences. A compilation of other data sources strongly suggests that polarization plays a crucial role in driving misinformation by changing partisan standards of evidence and creating a demand for attitude congruent news, regardless of accuracy. These findings imply that policy makers seeking to address misinformation should reorient their focus away from fact-checking and education. More crucial are systemic safeguards against runaway polarization and the development of interventions that soothe affective partisan divides.