POLITICAL POLARIZATION

Nov 20 2024POLITICS

Why Do We Shun Neutral Things Just Because the 'Other Side' Likes Them?

Have you ever avoided something you normally like just because someone from the "other side" of the political spectrum enjoys it too? This study shows that people in Sweden often distance themselves from simple things like clothes and chocolates when they find out these items are favored by political groups they dislike. Researchers tested this by seeing how people's...

reading time less than a minute
Nov 16 2024POLITICS

Learning to Live with Differences

For a while now, we've been hearing about the friendly campaigning style of Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. They were seen as a less harsh alternative compared to their opponents. Their supporters tried to mimic this approach. But when they lost, the pleasant demeanor vanished quickly. Many liberals who backed them now want those who vot...

reading time about 1 minute
Nov 02 2024POLITICS

Fake News from Home: How Americans Use Social Media Tricks

Recent research from the Network Contagion Research Institute (NCRI) has found that Americans are using social media in a sneaky way. They're creating and using groups of accounts that act like bots to spread lies quickly. Examples include the false story about the attempt to assassinate Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, and a made-up tale about Haitian migrants ...

reading time about 1 minute
Nov 01 2024POLITICS

Why Tipping Without Taxes Might Not Be Good for Workers

Imagine this: both a high-ranking Democrat and a former Republican president want to get rid of taxes on tips. Sounds like a good idea, right? Not so fast. Let's break down what this could mean for workers. Politics aside, this proposal could make tips even more popular as a form of payment. But hold on, there's a catch. Tips are already a tricky way to make a livin...

reading time about 1 minute
Oct 14 2024POLITICS

Presidential Lawn Signs: Friend or Foe?

Imagine driving down a quiet street, you suddenly spot a massive sign in someone's yard, proudly displaying their support for a presidential candidate. Does this make you think, "Maybe I should reconsider my vote?" Probably not. Lawn signs for presidential candidates often spark more division than dialogue. Let's take a step back. Lawn signs for local elections can ...

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Oct 04 2024POLITICS

Kids and Politics: What's the Deal?

Ever wondered how kids get their views on politics? A study found that kids from Democratic families were quicker to show hostility towards Republicans. This isn't surprising when you think about how family beliefs shape a kid's worldview. One interesting finding was that Republican families seemed more open to visiting Democrats, which matches up with other research...

reading time less than a minute
Sep 27 2024POLITICS

What Do Kids Really Think About Politics?

As a child development expert, I have had the opportunity to talk to many kids about politics. And let me tell you, it's jarring to hear them talk about it. They're so honest and straightforward, it's like they're not even thinking about the consequences of what they're saying. But that's exactly what makes it so interesting. In a recent study, I worked with a team ...

reading time about 2 minutes
Sep 23 2024POLITICS

Keeping the Government Running: A Short-Term Fix

The clock was ticking, and the threat of a government shutdown loomed large. But just in the nick of time, congressional leaders announced a deal on a short-term spending bill. This temporary fix will fund federal agencies for about three months, buying lawmakers some time to work out a full-year budget. The agreement came after weeks of negotiations, with lawmakers ...

reading time about 1 minute
Sep 19 2024POLITICS

Government Funding Bill Hangs in the Balance as Shutdown Looms

As the clock ticks down to the October 1 deadline for a partial government shutdown, the US House is poised to vote on a funding bill that is met with resistance from both sides of the aisle. The bill, proposed by House Speaker Mike Johnson, combines a six-month stopgap funding measure with the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (Save) Act, which requires proof of ...

reading time about 1 minute
Sep 15 2024POLITICS

Does Trump's Anti-Semitic Rhetoric Point to a Deeper Problem?

Donald Trump has once again waded into the murky waters of anti-Semitic rhetoric, claiming that Jewish Democrats "hate" their religion and that the Democratic Party is anti-Israel. But how accurate are these claims, and what does this say about the state of Israeli-American relations? Are Trump's words merely a call for loyalty to Israel, or do they have a more sinis...

reading time about 1 minute