Author:
Agama Omachi, Onum friday Okoh

Doi: 10.26480/ccsj.01.2025.17.24

This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License CC BY 4.0, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited

This paper explores the influence of social media algorithms on political polarization within democratic societies. Social media platforms, through sophisticated algorithms, prioritize content based on user preferences and engagement, often leading to the formation of echo chambers that reinforce pre-existing beliefs. The proliferation of personalized content has contributed to the deepening of ideological divides, as users are increasingly exposed to homogeneous views while being shielded from diverse perspectives. This phenomenon raises concerns about the erosion of a shared public discourse, which is foundational to democratic engagement. By examining the role of algorithms in shaping political opinions, the paper highlights the potential for social media to exacerbate divisions within society. Furthermore, it discusses the implications of algorithmic amplification of extreme views and the potential consequences for democratic processes, including the manipulation of public opinion and the undermining of political debate. Understanding these dynamics is essential for developing strategies to mitigate polarization and promote healthier political discourse in democratic systems.