Key Takeaways:

• Political experts warn the U.S. may face unrest like Northern Ireland’s Troubles.
• Bill Maher hosted a debate on political tension and tech’s role in it.
• Thomas L. Friedman claims tech firms profit from division and outrage.
• Van Jones emphasizes the need for collective healing and honest dialogue.
• Social media algorithms may be driving Americans further apart.

How Political Division Is Becoming a Big Problem

America feels more divided today than it has in decades. Political fights aren’t just happening in Congress—they’re happening in living rooms, schools, and online. Many fear that this divide could lead to serious political violence. Some political scientists even warn that the United States could enter a period of unrest like Northern Ireland’s Troubles, a dark time of violence between opposing groups.

The topic gained national attention when Bill Maher, host of the HBO talk show “Real Time,” brought up the issue during his recent episode. Maher invited Thomas L. Friedman, a longtime New York Times columnist, and activist Van Jones to explore how and why America feels this tense. Their discussion focused strongly on one growing concern: how tech companies may be making political division worse.

The Role of Political Division in Wake-Up Calls

Thomas Friedman did not hold back. He compared America’s current situation to warnings before a storm—signs that feel too familiar to ignore. According to him, the danger isn’t far off. The way people are treating each other, especially online, shows how deep the difference of views has become.

What worries Friedman most is the role of tech companies. According to him, these platforms are not just places for sharing memes or chatting with friends. Instead, they have become echo chambers—digital spaces where people only hear opinions like theirs and mock or fear those who disagree.

How Tech Companies Profit from Division

Friedman claims that tech firms, especially social media giants, make a lot of money by keeping us angry. The more we fight, the more we scroll. The more we argue, the more time we spend arguing online. And more time equals more ads. These platforms are built to push extreme content—because emotional reactions like fear or rage keep users engaged longer.

Political division is profitable. Platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter) use algorithms to deliver content they think you’ll react to. Sometimes, that means showing posts guaranteed to make your blood boil. The result? People lose trust in neighbors, friends, and even family members who see the world differently.

Friedman calls this situation dangerous. He thinks Americans are being pulled apart on purpose, with tech companies focusing only on growth, clicks, and profit.

Van Jones Offers a Different Perspective

While Van Jones agrees that political division is real and painful, he adds a layer of hope. Jones focuses on healing. He believes the country can come back together—but only through real conversations and empathy.

He also points out that people are not just driven by anger. Many are scared. People fear being left out, being unheard, or losing what they have. Instead of shouting louder, Jones says we need to develop tools to listen better. Tech could even be part of the solution—if it’s used the right way.

But for now, Jones agrees that the current digital systems make peaceful conversation harder. Emotion spreads faster than facts. Rage travels farther than reason.

Social Media and the Growing Political Division

Many people don’t realize how much social media affects what they believe. Every day, millions get their news from platforms designed more for engagement than for truth. What does that mean? It means the posts you see are not based on accuracy but on how likely you are to click or share them.

This creates bubbles. If you’re right-wing, you mostly see content from other conservatives. If you’re left-wing, the same thing happens with liberal ideas. Each group sees only its version of events. Over time, both sides come to believe the other is not just wrong—but evil.

Friedman says that kind of deep divide leads to only two outcomes: separation or violence. And he’s not alone. Many researchers now study how technology affects democracy. They agree that political division becomes more extreme when people are constantly shown content that triggers strong emotions.

Can Anything Be Done to Fix It?

The good news? Not all hope is lost. Some experts say regulation might help. Governments could require platforms to be more transparent about how their algorithms work. Others call for changes in how online spaces are designed—maybe by slowing down how fast content spreads or by encouraging engagement with different viewpoints.

Another positive step could be education. If schools and communities teach media literacy—how to tell truth from lies online—people may become less vulnerable to propaganda. Building real-life connections across political lines can also help. When you know someone personally, you’re less likely to see them as “the enemy.”

Both Jones and Friedman believe leadership still matters. If politicians model respectful conversation, it could ripple outward. Culture doesn’t just happen—it’s shaped every day, by all of us. Whether we post in anger or reach out with curiosity can make a difference.

Why This Matters Now More Than Ever

Political division has existed in America since its founding. But the combination of technology and tribalism makes today’s situation feel different—and more dangerous. We live in a world where ideas and anger spread at lightning speed. That power can be used to unite or divide, to heal or to harm.

Friedman urges Americans to pay attention. He sees today’s tensions as early warning signs. Jones, however, sees a chance to do better. Together, their viewpoints show us where we’ve been—and where we’re headed if nothing changes.

It’s time to ask: are we letting technology shape our futures without question? Are clicks and profit worth risking peace? The political division tearing through America may not be driven only by differing opinions—but by systems designed to keep us apart.

If that’s true, the first step to fixing it is facing it.

FAQs

What is political division, and why does it matter?

Political division is when people strongly disagree about government, laws, or values. It matters because deep division can cause mistrust and even violence between citizens.

How do tech companies make money from political division?

Tech firms earn more when people stay on their platforms. Outrage and emotional content keep users scrolling, which boosts ad revenue.

Can social media help reduce political division?

Yes, but only if it’s used carefully. Platforms can be designed to highlight shared values or encourage respectful conversations.

What can we do to fix political division in our communities?

Start small. Listen to others, question what you read online, and try to connect with people who think differently. Every kind action counts.