Otten genannt Hermes, Niclas (2025) Echo Chambers and Filter Bubbles: A Systematic Literature Review of Political Polarization on Social Media. Bachelor thesis, Global Responsibility & Leadership (GRL).
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Abstract
This thesis explored the mechanisms and concepts of filter bubbles and echo chambers by analyzing their influence on political polarization within social media. To address this question, the study conducted a systematic literature review of 15 peer-reviewed studies published between 2020 and 2025, following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. The key findings indicated that while filter bubbles and echo chambers did not directly cause political polarization, their mechanisms could contribute to its intensification under certain conditions. Furthermore, echo chambers were supported by strong empirical evidence, especially in relation to network polarization driven by selective exposure and partisan blocking. These effects were most pronounced during politically salient periods and in combination with emotionally provocative content, which showed to reinforce affective polarization. In contrast there was limited support for the filter bubble hypothesis. Although algorithms could amplify ideologically aligned and emotionally resonant content, experimental research suggested that algorithms alone exerted only a modest influence on polarization. Incidental exposure to opposing viewpoints still occured across platforms, challenging the notion of fully enclosed information environments. Future research should broaden the analytical lens to include a more diverse range of platforms and geographic contexts. Emphasis should also be placed on platform-specific features and individualized indicators such as age, in order to better understand how digital environments shape political polarization across societies.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Bachelor) |
|---|---|
| Name supervisor: | Cordero Carrasco, R.R. |
| Date Deposited: | 10 Jun 2025 08:36 |
| Last Modified: | 10 Jun 2025 08:36 |
| URI: | https://campus-fryslan.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/647 |
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