The Impact of Technology and Political Polarization on the Spread of Disinformation

The spread of disinformation is intensified by two key factors: technological advancements that enable the instantaneous dissemination of false information and the deepening political polarization that encourages tribalism over truth. Technology allows for the rapid spread of misinformation with the click of a button, leveraging anonymous users and bots to make fabricated content appear genuine. Political polarization, driven by strategies aimed at mobilizing extreme factions within parties, fosters a climate where individuals prioritize loyalty to their tribe over factual accuracy. This polarization discourages compromise and problem-solving, replacing them with outrage and fear-mongering tactics to secure support and votes. Consequently, the combination of technology and political polarization fuels the propagation of disinformation in society.