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Affective Polarization, Media Outlets, and Opinion Dynamics

Author

Listed:
  • Sebastiano Della Lena
  • Luca Paolo Merlino
  • Yves Zenou

Abstract

We study opinion dynamics in a social network consisting of two groups. Agents update their opinions by conforming to members of their own group while rejecting the views of the opposing group (affective polarization), and by listening to a media outlet that may provide biased information. We characterize the long-run opinions and identify when affective polarization and media bias lead to ideological polarization, persistent disagreement, or failures of learning. We also derive when information interventions or censorship improve learning and reduce disagreement, and when they backfire: better information helps only under specific media bias configurations and when directed to the agents we identify as most effective at propagating it through the network.

Suggested Citation

  • Sebastiano Della Lena & Luca Paolo Merlino & Yves Zenou, 2026. "Affective Polarization, Media Outlets, and Opinion Dynamics," RFBerlin Discussion Paper Series 26001, ROCKWOOL Foundation Berlin (RFBerlin).
    • Handle: RePEc:crm:wpaper:26001
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • C7 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory
    • D7 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making
    • D85 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Network Formation

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