Group identity and confirmation bias naturally push people toward polarized views.

Humans are social creatures who seek belonging. When people identify strongly with a group—whether political, religious, or cultural—they tend to adopt the group’s beliefs as their own. Confirmation bias then leads them to notice and remember information that supports their views, while ignoring contradictory facts. This cycle intensifies divisions, as individuals see the world through the lens of their group’s perspective, often viewing outsiders as threats.