The Impact of Social Media on Political Polarization in Australia

While evidence of a direct link between social media and political polarization in Australia may not be immediately apparent, the growing influence of extreme ideologies has raised significant concerns. This article explores the role of social media in spreading conspiracy theories and extremist views, leading to increased political divisions within the country.

Conspiracy Theories and Extremist Ideologies

Conspiracy theories and extreme ideologies, often stimulated by social media, have made inroads into Australian society. Individuals who frequently criticize mainstream media (MSM) without proper reading habits see figures like Donald Trump as their saviors. They are spreading extremist ideologies such as those espoused by Lyndon LaRouche, which are permeating the consciousness of the Australian public more deeply and effectively than the John Birch Society material from the past.

Historically, there have been Nazi groups in Australia, but they were more characterized by violence than political activism. In recent years, neo-Nazi groups have emerged all over the country, largely based on racial hatred. Although these groups use email sometimes, recent attempts to utilize Facebook and websites have been largely unsuccessful. This limits their reach and influence through these channels.

Political Spectrum and Information Distribution

On the more traditional political spectrum, traditional Communist parties and their variants, such as pro-Russian and Maoist groups, were reliant on books, newspapers, and bookshops for information distribution. However, modern extreme left-wing groups like the Greens and Trotskyites have a younger target audience, making the Internet their primary tool for spreading information.

The Toxic Evolution of Social Media

The rise of social media has led to a more pernicious impact, as evidenced by the increase in youth suicides in the United States. In 2013, a significant 50% increase in juvenile suicides was observed, which is often attributed to the widespread use of smartphones among teenagers. In particular, iPhones became affordable enough for a majority of 13-year-olds to have one, leading them to engage with social media platforms that offer dopamine rewards through constant interaction.

The breakdown of suicide rates showed a stark gender divide, with 75% of suicides being by girls and only 25% by boys. Jonathan Haight's research into this phenomenon highlighted that while boys managed to balance their social media time with networked first-person shooter games, girls spent nearly all their time on social media. This extensive exposure to social media may have contributed to a deterioration in mental health.

Political polarization, therefore, is a manifestation of the same social engineering power that social media algorithms have over the human mind. These algorithms are designed to maximize engagement, often at the expense of rational discourse and mental well-being.

Conclusion

The role of social media in driving political polarization in Australia has become a critical issue, with extremist ideologies spreading more efficiently through these platforms. While evidence may not be conclusive, the implications of social media's influence on mental health and societal stability are undeniable. Addressing this challenge will require a multi-faceted approach involving regulation, education, and community awareness to counteract the negative impacts of social media.