While political polarization in the US is real, intense & increasing, partisans consistently overestimate its magnitude; this “false polarization” is insidious because it reinforces actual polarization and inhibits compromise

False Polarization: Cognitive Mechanisms and Potential Solutions. Philip M. Fernbach, Leaf Van Boven. Current Opinion in Psychology, June 17 2021. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.copsyc.2021.06.005

Abstract: While political polarization in the United States is real, intense and increasing, partisans consistently overestimate its magnitude. This “false polarization” is insidious because it reinforces actual polarization and inhibits compromise. We review empirical research on false polarization and the related phenomenon of negative meta-perceptions, and we propose three cognitive and affective processes that likely contribute to these phenomena: categorical thinking, oversimplification and emotional amplification. Finally, we review several interventions that have shown promise in mitigating these biases.