(L-R) US First Lady Jill Biden, Hunter Biden, son of US President Joe Biden, and his wife Melissa ... [+]
In the past month, the nation witnessed two high-profile criminal trials—and the outcome was similar. Both defendants were found guilty on all counts. The first involved former President Donald Trump, who was charged in New York for covering up hush money payments made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels to conceal an alleged affair. Hunter Biden, the troubled son of sitting President Joe Biden, was convicted for purchasing a handgun while addicted to crack cocaine, and then possessing the firearm while illegally using drugs.
The similarities don't just end there, across social media there has been no shortage of misinformation and disinformation about the trials and what could happen next. Supporters of the former president have largely agreed with his allegations that the trial was "rigged" and was a form of election interference intended to keep him off the campaign trail and to ruin his chances for reelection in November.
Others continue to maintain that the charges against Hunter Biden were also intended to derail President Biden's reelection bid. There are now conspiracy theories that have offered another view entirely—alleging the younger Biden was convicted to counter Trump's claims of a two-tier justice system.
The vast political divide is all too alive and well on social media, and unlikely to be countered, regardless of the evidence.
"For multiple reasons, social media platforms can serve as echo chambers for current events and politics and aid in the spread of misinformation in some instances," explained Dr. Lance Y. Hunter, professor of international relations at Augusta University.
At the core of the issue is that the political divide extends to social media, where many individuals often follow users with similar viewpoints and political ideologies.
"Consequently, content is frequently shared that reinforces users; pre-existing viewpoints," warned Hunter. "The accuracy of the content can be questionable in some situations because the users may prioritize information that reinforces their perspectives over reliable content."
Social Media Is Practically Designed To Encourage Confrontation
There is no denying that the political divide has turned many of the platforms into anti-social services, where many people simply go to tear down others. It would seem this is contrary to the very reasons these networks exist, but the truth remains it is better for the business model.
"Social media algorithms, built on user interests and activity data, feed content that users find relevant and engaging. This contributes to echo chambers where users interact primarily with content that aligns with their beliefs, reducing the likelihood of exposure to opposing views—something that is necessary to develop informed opinions," said Dr. Masahiro Yamamoto, associate professor and department chair of the Department of Communication at the University at Albany.
"Within such echo chambers, motivated reasoning can flourish," Yamamoto emphasized. "Users interpret information in a way that confirms their biases, discredit attitudinally inconsistent information, and rationalize partisan beliefs by seeking information that supports their views."
As one-sided partisan beliefs are repeatedly validated by like-minded people and content, this environment serves as a fertile ground for the spread of misinformation and even disinformation. Specifically tailored information is often presented to users based on their predefined belief systems.
The result is an "echo chamber" where misinformation takes hold before users can even be presented with legitimate news and facts. Users are then all too likely to agree with the misinformation rather than objective or reliable content.
"Overall, the combination of like-minded users sharing information on social media and social media algorithms presenting content that conforms with users' pre-existing belief systems can reinforce echo chambers and aid in the spread of misinformation," suggested Hunter.
"In the case of the Hunter Biden verdict, Democrats may view the verdict as evidence that the judicial system works fairly," Yamamoto added. "By contrast, Republicans may downplay its significance and argue that the Department of Justice neglects to properly investigate Hunter Biden's other alleged misconducts. These partisan beliefs are entrenched within echo chambers and lead to divided understandings of the judicial system and polarized public opinion."
