The idea that "media sensationalism" is related to "political polarization" seems intuitive but difficult to prove empirically due to the problem of determining causation from correlation and the confounding of many other factors.
There are several ways in which this relationship can be explored theoretically using sociological and psychological theories.
One theory, called social constructionism, argues that media representations shape how people think about gender and sexuality, including their own identities and those of others. This process involves both the selection and amplification of certain ideas and behaviors while downplaying others. In this way, media coverage of gender identity may contribute to the creation of an exaggerated sense of difference between different groups based on sex and/or gender. Such sensationalism may also make it harder for people to see nuance in issues such as transgender rights, creating a binary where one side must necessarily oppose another rather than engage in dialogue and compromise.
Another theory, called framing effects, suggests that media portrayals of events have a powerful effect on how individuals interpret them.
If a news story presents a politician who supports transgender rights as "promoting moral decay," this frames the issue in terms of morality, which then influences people's opinions on the issue. Similarly, if a story describes protesters against transgender rights as "defending traditional values," this frames the issue in terms of tradition, which may lead to different opinions. Both these framings create polarizing positions that are more extreme than they would be without media intervention.
A third theory, called confirmation bias, proposes that we tend to seek out information that confirms our existing beliefs and ignore or dismiss information that contradicts them. If media coverage of gender identity tends towards either conservative or liberal viewpoints, it is likely that some readers will become convinced by that coverage while ignoring opposing views. The result could be increased political polarization, with each side becoming more entrenched in their position due to exposure to only the perspectives they agree with.
Research has shown that emotions play a significant role in decision-making, particularly when the outcome is uncertain or ambiguous. Media coverage of gender identity can evoke strong feelings of disgust or anxiety among certain segments of society, leading to heightened polarization. This occurs because such coverage activates emotional responses that override rational thinking and promote black-and-white thinking.
There are several ways in which media sensationalism around gender identity can contribute to political polarization. These include creating an exaggerated sense of difference between groups, framing issues in a way that favors one position over another, amplifying confirmation bias, and triggering emotional reactions. It is important for journalists to consider how their reporting on gender identity affects public opinion and try to avoid contributing to these negative effects.
How does media sensationalism around gender identity contribute to political polarization?
The media's sensationalist coverage of gender identities has contributed to increased polarization by creating a cultural divide between those who support gender nonconformity and those who do not. The result is an atmosphere where individuals with differing views on this issue are more likely to view each other as "other" and less likely to engage in meaningful dialogue or seek common ground.