2024 ‘Polarization’ Word of the Year

• Merriam-Webster identifies polarization as a significant aspect of modern life.

• Defined as a division into two distinct opposites, a state where opinions, beliefs, or interests become concentrated at opposing extremes.

• 2024 presidential election perceived as making America “more polarized than ever.”

• Merriam-Webster adds new terms like “far left” and “far right” and “MAGA” to its dictionary.

• Polarization influences global politics, culture, and society.

• Modern context of polarization viewed through the lens of social media, the Internet, and AI.

• “US vs. them” drift grows as society, politics, and culture become more polarized.