According to one estimate last year, more than thirty-five books about American political polarization were published between 2009 and 2019. In 2020, publishing companies continued to push out titles like Trust in a Polarized Age by political philosopher Kevin Vallier, Compromise in an Age of Party Polarization by political science professor Jennifer Wolak, and Why We’re Polarized by journalist Ezra Klein.

A few months ago, USA Today published a list of helpful tips for reducing polarization, like “make social media kinder” and “avoid repeating misinformation, even to debunk it.” One item advises readers to think twice before sharing a “really funny meme” that heightens partisanship.

Reading that, I imagine a USA Today reader’s mouse hovering over the “share” button on a Facebook post. The meme is “really funny.” But sharing it would contribute to polarization! Sweat rolls down the reader’s face as they ponder the dilemma.