Lots of people just want to use political processes to hurt their perceived enemies.

What like "prosperity for ourselves and our children"? I think the issues arise when it gets a smidge more nuanced then that.

Unfortunately it's not that simple any more. There are already very fundamental issues on which we are already very polarized, online or not. One of these is safety for example – far too many people are ready to give up any freedoms in the name of security. Ideas for EU chatcontrol, camera networks etc don't come from some bureaucrats, there is a very broad social demand for this.

If you see yourself in the hegemon, sure. This strategy has also led to horrible brutality against marginal groups.

But think of all the faux engagement! Think of all the advertising revenue! Won't someone think of the poor shareholders?