Study: Media Abet Political Polarization

A recent study by a Washington State University researcher suggests intense media coverage of highly polarized and contentious political issues tends to reinforce partisan views, creating “belief gaps” between Democrats and Republicans, which grow increasingly pronounced over time. Directed by Associate Professor Douglas Hindman of the Edward R. Murrow College of Communication at WSU, the study focused on the distribution of beliefs and knowledge of self-identified Democrats, Moderates, and Republicans about the Affordable Care Act of 2010. It marks a significant departure from similar research performed nearly a half century ago, which showed heavy media coverage of science news contributed to “knowledge gaps,” or growing disparities in knowledge between those with different levels of educational attainment/ Douglas Blanks Hindman , WSU News. More here.

Question: Are you surprised by the findings of this study?