Agenda of Solutions to Mitigate the Challenge of Polarization of Extreme Positions in Social Media Environments.

This paper proposes an agenda of possible solutions relevant to the challenge of polarization of extreme positions. The challenge of mitigating polarization of extreme positions has been a hot topic in politics, journalism, new media, and, more recently, in CSCW and HCI research. In this study, the main focus is to investigate the harmful effects of polarization from a neuroscience point of view. The suggested solutions are based on theories of social cognitive neuroscience and encourage awareness of inappropriate behavior, an increase in the diversity of arguments, and the exercise of individual and collective responsibility, to mitigate the problem of polarization that threatens public debate and, consequently, democracy.