In recent years, political commentators have lamented that the political divide between the "red states" and the "blue states" has become a chasm. Technological advances such as the Web and social media have only exacerbated this trend. Social psychologists might point to the phenomenon of _______ in explaining these developments.

Question

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Group polarization is the tendency for individuals to become more extreme in their beliefs and attitudes when surrounded by like-minded individuals. In the context of political polarization, this can lead to individuals becoming more entrenched in their political beliefs and less willing to consider alternative viewpoints, thus widening the divide between groups. The role of technology in facilitating echo chambers and selective exposure to information only further reinforces this polarization.

In Recent Years, Political Commentators Have Lamented That the Political