Political polarization stems more from the homogeneity of social circles than from differences in media consumption.

Political polarization in the United States is worsening, and many blame media outlets like Fox News. But a new study suggests that the root of the problem may lie not in the media, but in social circles.

1. The influence of media is overestimated

The researchers compared the effects of different news sources and different social circles on views about climate change. The results showed that changes in news sources had little effect on opinions, while differences in social circles led to vastly different views.

2. Social circles are the key

The study is based on county-level data, meaning that your view on climate change depends more on the county you live in than on the media you consume.

Mixed social environments — diverse in race, education, age, and political stance — reduce polarization and increase concern about climate change.

3. The echo chamber effect

If you live in a homogeneous social circle and are exposed only to similar opinions, you become more polarized, and your thinking is dominated by a small group. Closed communities breed closed minds, on both the left and the right.

In short, the problem of political polarization lies in the estrangement between people, not in the sources of information.