According to a report from Florida State University that compiles data from dozens of national surveys, close to half of U.S. adults say politics are a significant stress point. (Adobe Stock)
Political conflict is becoming more than just a policy debate for Americans, it is a growing source of personal stress and social strain, according to new research from Florida State University’s Institute for Governance and Civics.
The report found 63% of Americans now say discussing politics with those they disagree with is stressful, a significant jump from 45% in 2013.
Ryan Owens, professor of political science and director of the institute, said the data point to a deeper problem where people increasingly view political opponents as fundamentally immoral.
“They are reporting they’re losing friends more as a consequence of politics,” Owens explained. “For me, one of the more alarming things across both sides of the political spectrum, Americans are starting to see members of the opposite party as more immoral and more dishonest than the average American.”
The report, which compiles dozens of national surveys, also found more than a quarter of Americans have had a friendship end over politics. Owens pointed to the constant nature of political conflict online as a key driver, noting there are few places left to escape the divisive conversations.
For individuals feeling overwhelmed, experts advise setting boundaries on news and social media consumption to help manage political stress.
Despite the negative trends, Owens emphasized the research also pointed to a solution: improved civic education.
“We see from some of the data that we and others have collected that respondents who have greater civic education are less likely to believe that political violence is permissible,” Owens noted. “They’re less likely to say that political disagreements in general make them uncomfortable.”
The report said civic education is a way to repair the social fabric by reconnecting people with shared values. Floridians can seek out nonpartisan resources from groups like the Florida Center for Government Accountability, local universities or the League of Women Voters, to name a few.
