Aired Dec 4, 2024

In this episode of the Outrage Overload Podcast, we examine the fascinating and troubling world of social media hostility and its effects on our political attitudes. Social media platforms are rife with political attacks, but what do these posts really do to us? How do they shape our emotions, fuel political cynicism, and influence democratic engagement?

We explore these questions through the lens of groundbreaking research from the paper “When Social Media Attack: How Exposure to Political Attacks on Social Media Promotes Anger and Political Cynicism,” with insights from a leading expert in political communication and media effects.

What You’ll Learn

• The psychological effects of political attacks on social media.
• How anger and cynicism differ in their impacts on political engagement.
• Why social media hostility isn’t just noise—it’s reshaping democracy.
• Practical steps for navigating the polarized online landscape.

Ariel Hasell is an Assistant Professor of Communication and Media at the University of Michigan. Her research explores how digital media shape public opinion and engagement with politics and science. Using quantitative methods, she examines how media choices influence attitudes, behaviors, and policy preferences. Ariel’s insights offer a deeper understanding of the evolving media landscape and its impact on society.

Links

When Social Media Attack: How Exposure to Political Attacks on Social Media Promotes Anger and Political Cynicism (Sage Journals)

Ariel Hasell (University of Michigan)