Why social media is terrible for multiethnic democracies

A Q&A with Jonathan Haidt, a social psychologist at New York University.

Haidt’s research focuses on the links between moral intuitions and political beliefs. His work is especially useful now because it explains how emotions and core value judgments drive political behavior. In the wake of a campaign dominated by rhetorical appeals to cultural wedge issues, Haidt’s insights are worth considering. I spoke with Haidt recently, and asked him about political tribalism, the future of multiculturalism in America, and whether he sees a path forward after a punishing and polarizing election.