Social media fuels extreme political rhetoric
UC journalism professor tells Local 12 that online algorithms lead to more polarization
Local 12 talked to a University of Cincinnati journalism professor about how social media is driving increasing polarization.
UC journalism Professor Jeffrey Blevins studies misinformation in mass media. Photo/Andrew Higley/UC Marketing + Brand
UC College of Arts and Sciences Professor Jeffrey Blevins told Local 12 that the goal of social media algorithms is to keep people engaged, measured by what people like, comment on and spend time watching. Blevins said this can have unintentional consequences.
People often share posts with which they strongly disagree or find offensive, he said.
“I'm likely to be fed that not necessarily by someone who disagrees with me but by someone on my side (politically),” Blevins told Local 12.
The algorithms can lead to a psychological effect called confirmation bias, he said.
“We tend to not seek out information that contradicts our world view,” Blevins said. “We’re more likely to seek out information that reassures us that what we believe is true.”
Blevins co-wrote the award-winning “Social Media, Social Justice and the Political Economy of Online Networks.” He also teaches in UC's School of Public and International Affairs.
Featured image at top: UC Professor Jeffrey Blevins says algorithms feed polarization on social media. Photo/Thomas Northcut
Related Stories
UC alum Markiplier's debut film sees box office success
February 3, 2026
WCPO highlighted the box office success of Cincinnati native and University of Cincinnati alumnus Mark "Markiplier" Fischbach's feature film debut, "Iron Lung."
University of Cincinnati gets $1.1M for AI physician training
January 30, 2026
The University of Cincinnati College of Medicine has received a four-year, $1.1 million grant to explore using artificial intelligence and personalized learning to improve physician education.
Research findings may lead to new test for endometriosis
January 30, 2026
Endometriosis affects one in 10 women worldwide, and many go years before diagnosis. Symptoms include chronic pelvic pain, heavy bleeding during menstruation and/or sexual intercourse, bloating and fatigue. Katie Burns’ research at the University of Cincinnati is focused on creating a new, non-invasive test for endometriosis, using white blood cells as biomarkers. Burns, PhD, is an associate professor in the Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences in the College of Medicine.