managingeditor,+1-+CE-AS-wahab-Editorial+-polarization-

Political and Social Polarization

  • Division of people into contrasting groups with minimal convergence.

  • The political climate exacerbated by social media impacts mental health.

  • Polarization linked to perceived gains/losses in social status and psychological disorders.

Research Gap

  • Lack of research on psychosocial effects of polarization in developing countries.

  • Most studies conducted in Western contexts; American polarization seen as a public health concern.

  • Negative effects include damaged friendships, fatigue, and suicidal behavior.

Effects of Political Stress

  • Ongoing political disagreements increase stress affecting mental and physical health.

  • American Psychological Association (APA) identified politics as a significant stressor for adults.

  • Surveys indicate:

    • 40% of Americans stress over politics.

    • 20% lost sleep due to political unrest.

Physiological Responses

  • Studies show political debate correlates to increased cortisol, skin conductance, and decreased testosterone.

Mechanisms of Psychological Harm

  • Individuals cannot isolate from politics due to constant information exposure.

  • Political stress affects both active participants and passive observers.

    • Common issues include harassment and bullying on social media.

Cultic Politics

  • Cult indoctrination used by leaders to manipulate followers, causing immense suffering.

  • Related psychological damage from fake news and cultic influences extensively documented.

Context of Pakistan

  • Over 220 million population facing political instability and poor health indicators.

  • Mental health crises worsened by political polarization and no budgetary allocations for mental health.

  • Political intolerance has led to violence, particularly among youth.

Young Population Vulnerability

  • Approximately 60% of Pakistan's population is young and susceptible to radicalization.

  • Critical thinking deficiency leads to significant social capital loss.

Call to Action

  • Urgent need for dialogue among scientists, social analysts, and public opinion leaders to discuss polarization's impacts.

  • Encourage tolerance and critical thinking in the younger generation.

  • Aim to counter rising psychosocial issues and restore political sanity in Pakistan.