Polarization & Its Drivers - Polarization is defined as a movement towards extremes, eroding the moderate center where common ground is typically found [2] - The increasing polarization in society is not primarily driven by policy differences, but by profound differences in emotional understanding, specifically one's affective sense of the world [6][12] - Fear, as a primal emotion, is a significant driver of these divisions, influencing individuals' sense of safety and danger [8] Mitigation Strategies: The Three C's - The industry suggests a three-pronged approach to mitigate polarization: Connect, Curate, and Cultivate [13] - Connect: Emphasizes connecting to one's ethics and values such as integrity, dignity, honesty, and kindness [13] - Curate: Advocates for curating exposure to information, particularly on social media, which is identified as a causal factor in conflict due to algorithms designed to maximize engagement through moral outrage [14][15] - Cultivate: Highlights the importance of community, compassion, curiosity, and appreciation, encouraging individuals to engage in conversations with those holding differing viewpoints [17] The Role of Social Media - Research indicates that social media is not merely correlated with conflict but is causal, driven by algorithms and corporate interests that prioritize engagement through moral outrage [14][15] - Social media algorithms are designed to keep users engaged by tapping into deep-seated fears and presenting the world as a dangerous place, rewarding moral outrage [16] Connection & Empathy - Finding emotional empathy and connecting with others on emotional realities, even without agreeing on facts, is key to navigating polarized times [18][19] - Listening first and finding common ground are crucial for meaningful connection and appreciation, even when coming from different standpoints [17][18]