How liberals and conservatives behave more like Sunnis and Shias than they do political parties and why that’s a problemWe speak with Peter H. Ditto, Professor of Psychological Science at UC Irvine, whose research sheds light on the forces driving political bias and the rise of media-driven outrage. Professor Ditto has been at the forefront of studying motivated reasoning, especially how it fuels moral disagreements and deepens the political divides that dominate today's headlines.We dive into how social media algorithms are designed to amplify engagement but often end up fueling extreme polarization. These algorithms contribute to a spiral of distorted perceptions, where voters on both sides increasingly see their opponents not just as wrong but as morally corrupt. This dynamic, known as political sectarianism, creates a fertile ground for angry conflicts and even political violence.Throughout the conversation, we examine the psychological toll of outrage porn and how the constant bombardment of polarizing news impacts our mental health. Professor Ditto also shares insights into how grievance culture, amplified by media and social platforms, feeds into feelings of injustice and revenge, further intensifying societal divisions.If you're interested in understanding why political disagreements feel so personal and why it's so hard to bridge the gap, this episode provides valuable perspectives. It’s a must-listen for anyone curious about the role of media distortion, the psychology behind tribalism, and what can be done to lower the temperature and foster better understanding.Text me your feedback and leave your contact info if you'd like a reply (this is a one-way text). Thanks, DavidSupport the showShow Notes:https://outrageoverload.net/ Contact me, David Beckemeyer by email outrageoverload@gmail.com. Follow the show on Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload. Check out our Subtstack https://outrageoverload.substack.comHOTLINE: 925-552-7885Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the O2 hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episodeIf you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload Also check out our companion podcasts, This Week in Outrage and Outrage Science Bites. Intro music and outro music by Michael Ramir C.Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.