How Social Media and Political Polarization Amplify Our Willingness to Censor Political Opponents

This chapter examines how social media and political polarization amplify individuals’ willingness to censor political opponents. While freedom of expression is a core democratic value, citizens increasingly endorse silencing ideas they perceive as false or harmful. I propose the Social Media–Polarization–Censorship (SPC) Framework, which highlights how polarization and social media mutually reinforce each other, eroding shared understandings of truth (epistemic polarization). I argue that when people disagree over truth, opponents ideas seem harmful and untrue--driving our endorsement of censoring and silencing opponents. I go on to argue that such censorship may paradoxically deepen polarization by reducing cross-cutting exposure and fostering feelings of grievance among those censored. I conclude by exploring reforms and interventions—ranging from algorithmic changes to psychological strategies—that may disrupt this cycle. Ultimately, understanding the interplay of social media, polarization, and censorship is essential for preserving pluralism and democratic discourse in increasingly divided societies.