Dialogues and polarisation in the mediated public sphere. Theory and practice of (im)probable communication

Abstract

In recent years, there has been growing concern about the role of media in shaping public discourse and exacerbating polarization. Political, social, and cultural divides have been deepening, and the quality of public dialogue has been deteriorating, as people increasingly consume news and information from ideologically aligned sources and engage in filter bubbles and echo chambers. This phenomenon raises crucial questions about the nature of communication in the mediated public sphere. How can we foster dialogue and exchange in an environment where opinions and perspectives are increasingly entrenched? What are the factors that contribute to or hinder effective communication across divides? How do media platforms and algorithms shape the way we perceive and engage with the world?