Polarization is intensified by the internet and social media, which spread disinformation and hate speech, threatening democracy by hindering the free exchange of ideas. Social media segments audiences and promotes sensational content, leading to more polarized views. Addressing this involves exposing people to diverse groups and correcting misconceptions.

Dorothy E. Smith’s standpoint theory highlights the importance of recognizing different social positions and power dynamics that obscure marginalized experiences. Standpoints are developed through critical awareness. Cognitive dissonance explains why people support contradictory ideas, resolved by rationalizing choices and avoiding conflicting information.

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Presentation on Cognitive Dissonance by Torben

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