‘High-Quality, Balanced Facts Can Reduce Polarization,’ Study Finds
Overturning long-held assumptions about how people react to news and information that challenges their beliefs, a groundbreaking Israeli study suggests that factual knowledge can reduce polarization on divisive political issues
TPS-IL News Agency 10:00 AM
A new study challenges the assumption that people are rigidly tied to their political beliefs, suggesting that well-presented, balanced information can foster open-mindedness and reduce polarization. “Our findings show people are more open to revising their views than we often think,” said Dr. Eran Amsalem, a senior lecturer at the Hebrew University’s Department of Communication and Journalism. “When given credible, balanced facts and a reason to engage with them, individuals don’t just cling to their old beliefs—they update them. This is a hopeful sign that factual knowledge, when delivered effectively, can counter polarization on divisive issues.”
Amsalem and Dr. Michael Stagnaro of MIT led a research team that found audiences exposed to high-quality, balanced information were more likely to moderate their views. Published in Nature Communications, their study provides some of the strongest evidence yet that counter-attitudinal information, when carefully presented, can promote open-mindedness with lasting effects.
For years, political science has emphasized “motivated reasoning,” where people accept facts aligning with their views while rejecting those that challenge them, often becoming more extreme. Many believed providing information on contentious topics would only widen divides. Amsalem and Stagnaro’s research disputes this, showing that under the right conditions, people can shift their perspectives.
In a randomized experiment with over 1,000 Americans, participants received a comprehensive set of credible facts about gun control—some supporting their existing views, others contradicting them. They were modestly incentivized to engage with the material. Rather than dismissing challenging information, participants absorbed it and retained it. A follow-up a month later showed they still recalled the facts, and their views on gun control remained more moderate than before.
Importantly, the study found that gaining knowledge didn’t increase interpersonal hostility, addressing a common concern in polarization discussions. “This challenges the idea that people are locked into their political identities,” Stagnaro said. “Under the right conditions, minds can change—and stay changed.”
The findings suggest that investing in balanced, high-quality information and encouraging engagement can lead to political moderation. This has implications for civic education, journalism, social media, and public policy communication, emphasizing the need for accurate, accessible, and well-presented information.
“At a time when trust in institutions is low and extremism spreads easily, our findings underscore the value of making credible, balanced information widely available,” Amsalem said. “There’s real potential to reclaim the middle ground if we prioritize the right informational tools.”
The study highlights that how information is delivered matters as much as its accuracy. By creating environments that encourage thoughtful engagement with diverse perspectives, societies can foster more open dialogue and reduce the grip of polarized thinking.
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