Is It a New Normal?

Polarization is not something we just invented in the united states. The us. Has sustained a two party system for longer than anywhere else. It's really hard to imagine third party's having success, despite the fact that there's clearly a significant chunk of the electorate that would vote for a third party if it only could. Social media are exasperating polarization as they maximise user engagement with extreme views and moderate centrist people don't get many followers. We haveat one level an exaggerated sense of the problem - but social media can become dangerous when organised around network platforms selling ads.