The rise in immigration control has polarized the political values of United States’ citizens. The division in the United States has influenced protests, walk-outs, and online arguments. There is no longer an opportunity for civil discussions without an opposing response from someone. Today’s society is one of the most polarized periods in American history.

Friendships and relationships often struggle with political division due to differing moral values. The beliefs that someone conveys are a key element in the decline of relationships. Recent headlines of politics, immigration, border security and economic impacts have shaped relationships.

“When it comes down to your fundamental rights and beliefs and morals, I don’t think that’s really a thing you can agree to disagree on. Personally, I wouldn’t want to be friends with someone who opposed me or resented my morals,” junior Greta Lipetzky said.

Additionally, today’s political climate makes it challenging to maintain and form new relationships due to differing views. The atmosphere of politics in school is increasingly difficult to engage with. Further, students’ mental health is being significantly impacted by friendships that are impacted by polarizing views.

Junior Lyndsey Thron shares that her experience with the recent election led to the loss of some friends due to opposing views. She emphasizes that mental health is affected on conflicting occasions.

Having political discussions within the community often makes people uncomfortable and defensive, rather than open to learning someone else’s perspective. The opportunity to disagree becomes a challenge for many and a harmful space for others.

“People who have different opinions from you often don’t just disagree; they feel hurt. It’s kind of dangerous, because you never know somebody’s going to treat you differently for the way you think,” sophomore Key Denison said.

Political discussions with people who have opposing views are helpful to understand each other. Additionally, having open-minded conversations allows people to connect without conflict.

Social media has influenced the knowledge and views that an individual forms. However, this also causes people to base ideals and views on others to avoid conflict. The fear of sharing with others outweighs the safety of sharing true beliefs.

“Social media is a big thing, and a lot of people are on social media. So when you see something, you kind of want to go with the rest of everyone else’s views,” Thron said.

In addition, the contribution of politics on social media increases political division. People have access to content that aligns with personal beliefs, which can cause misinformation about other perspectives.

Social media invites an opportunity for new perspectives and content consumption. Lipetzky said that social media helps people deepen views and makes it “more comfortable to share,” ideas and opinions.

The pressure of political division can lead to people expressing themselves in uncontrolled ways. The escape from reality expands to the clarity of political views.

“My best friend committed suicide two weeks ago because ICE came to their home and started threatening their family. So it’s definitely, really difficult on the children, because it causes a lot of fear for their family to be taken away, and it’s to the point where you have to take your own life to feel safe,” Denison said.

The pressure of political division is overwhelming and can make people feel disconnected. Disagreements are inflicting harm and pain within communities. Ultimately, political division has become so normalized that the conflict dehumanizes public views.