Deliberation and Destructive Polarisation in Social Media

Deliberation is a constructive communication process where speakers and listeners engage in a reciprocal, reasoned, and reflexive exchange. While it can lead to consensus, its primary democratic function is clarifying differences and fostering coexistence. Though not explicitly designed to uphold deliberative ideals, social media platforms still serve as valuable tools in parts of the process (e.g., by amplifying the voices of specific communities and facilitating at least some deliberative qualities, such as reciprocity). However, deliberation on social media faces significant challenges when opposing groups not only disagree but also view each other as illegitimate or morally reprehensible. While some polarisation can be inherent and even conducive to democracy, its destructive form undermines democratic deliberation by (a) eroding discursive relationships, (b) fragmenting deliberative arenas, and (c) weakening democracy’s epistemic capacity. This chapter examines how these dynamics unfold in social media environments, where platform affordances and communicative practices intensify polarisation and limit opportunities for meaningful democratic engagement.