How Broadband Boosts Partisan Hostility: A Look at Media Effects

New evidence shows internet access increases affective polarization. Using state-level right-of-way regulation data merged with county broadband penetration information from 2004-2008 survey responses, this analysis finds:

Key Finding: Broadband availability leads to greater partisan hostility.

Findings Overview:

• The effect holds true across political interest levels and persists over time (both years studied).
• Increased internet access drives partisans toward consuming more partisan media content.

These results suggest that while offering more choices, expanded broadband connectivity may be fueling heightened political polarization by enabling selective exposure to ideologically aligned information sources.