Navigating Today’s Polarization

In recent years, societies have become more fragmented and polarized than ever before. It seems we are growing more different, our opinions more divergent, and it’s becoming harder to find common ground, whether the issues are political or otherwise. This is a global and cross-cutting phenomenon, affecting the United States, much of Latin America, and nearly all of Europe. It’s a trend that has a profound impact on business activities and the brands’ reputation.

Many factors are driving this trend, notably the impact of technology, especially social media, the full consequences of which we have yet to understand. Global phenomena like economic inequality, the rise of feminism, the implications of climate change, new waves of migration, and two wars at Europe’s doorstep also play a part.

Polarization is here to stay. The best we can do is analyze it without excessive pessimism and figure out how to operate in this context.

Regardless of its causes, polarization is here to stay. The best we can do is try to understand its roots and dynamics, interpret it without excessive pessimism, and figure out how to operate within this context while safeguarding the interests and values of our stakeholders. Additionally, as responsible citizens and organizations, we need to explore how to mitigate its worst consequences, especially since, in extreme cases, polarization threatens social cohesion and even democracy itself.

This issue of UNO Magazine tackles polarization from multiple angles. Contributors include LLYC consultants, clients, business leaders, politicians, renowned academics, and journalists. We’ve approached this complex phenomenon through a wide range of disciplines and perspectives, focusing on its far-reaching effects on contemporary society. A special emphasis has been placed on data, particularly the insights we gain from LLYC’s technological tools, which leverage big data, artificial intelligence, and linguistic models, all stemming from active listening to digital conversations. These data points allow us to track major trends in consumer behavior, values, and politics, which form the backbone of many of our analyses.

Thanks to our technology, we can detect major trends in public opinion around consumption, values, and politics— insights that form the foundation of much of our analysis.

Some of the articles focus on the current delicate situation, particularly in a year like 2024, when a record number of citizens worldwide—from the European Union to Mexico, from several Spanish autonomous communities to India—have had the opportunity to choose their leaders. The November U.S. presidential election, a globally significant event, has culminated with Donald Trump being re-elected as President. However, polarization goes far beyond institutional politics. As many articles underscore, individuals and companies must also learn how to navigate this polarized environment. They need to cultivate their reputation, communicate their messages and beliefs effectively, and care for their talent. They must recognize that the growing disconnect between social groups, sometimes tragically at odds, is a new reality. This often leads to legitimate questioning but also breeds hostility online and fuels smear campaigns. Many brands have, intentionally or not, taken on political connotations, forcing them to position themselves on controversial issues carefully. Consumers now expect not just quality products and services at fair prices but also that these offerings reflect their beliefs and lifestyles.

The key is to understand this new social and communication landscape and to prepare for it. That’s the goal of this magazine, which brings together diverse viewpoints and disciplines. The insights shared in these pages shed light on the current situation, providing professionals with the tools they need to thrive—whether in marketing, talent management, crisis and reputation management, healthcare, or public affairs—in a polarized world we must all learn to navigate.

It’s about understanding the new social and communication landscape and preparing to face it. That’s the goal of this magazine, which brings together a wide range of perspectives and disciplines.