New study pinpoints key factor fueling American polarization

Traditional political polling works too slowly for us to understand the impact of current events on public opinion. That’s why Polarization Research Lab surveys 1000 Americans weekly to create a real-time picture of political polarization — and their findings reveal one major factor that’s driving us apart. To learn more about the tool mentioned in the video that lets you see what your representative is saying and doing, visit https://americaspoliticalpulse.com/ For more stories, ideas, and advice from changemakers tackling our biggest challenges, subscribe to Stand Together ►    / standtogethercc   — Polarization in America has reached a critical moment. But why? Founded on more than a decade of research by top scholars in the field at Dartmouth College, Stanford University, and the University of Pennsylvania, the Polarization Research Lab (PRL) is conducting groundbreaking research that reveals how Americans are modeling their political behavior based on what they hear from elected officials and political elites. It is this elite rhetoric that is driving a misinterpretation of the ‘other side’ — and in turn, polarizing the nation. Through extensive analysis of data, including surveying 1000 Americans per week and researching politicians' communications, PRL has identified a troubling trend: the toxic rhetoric of political elites is making us feel more divided, and this division often stands to benefit those elites. This negativity hampers constructive dialogue and democratic decision-making. The importance of healthy dialogue is vital to American democracy. That’s why PRL created a tool that enables voters to track their representatives' actions and statements accurately. Ultimately, PRL calls for a more constructive political culture, where disagreement is robust rather than toxic — and their work is crucial in fostering a more constructive political environment. — Watch more videos about the people fighting to bridge America's divides and promote free speech, in our Free Speech playlist ►    • Free Speech   And visit Stand Together’s website to learn more ► https://standtogether.org/