The past decade has seen political polarisation – accelerated by social media’s filter bubbles and echo chambers – deepen and mutate. An ominous era of a polycrisis has shattered any remaining societal consensus. Meanwhile, powerful anti-establishment voices have stepped into the void.

From Obama’s ‘Hope’ poster to Trump’s red MAGA hat, strong visual cues are capable of rousing Americans’ energy for civic engagement – for better or for worse. But just how impactful is design in shaping the minds of voters? And how is it being used in the 2018 midterm elections?

In February 2018, America saw its third-worst school shooting in history at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida. In the wake of the tragedy, the teenage survivors have sought to mobilize the country both online and off, demonstrating Gen Z’s desire to engage with the big issues.

Years of inflammatory rhetoric have left the US political landscape highly polarized – and it’s having an impact on people’s love lives. With both Democrats and Republicans less likely to accept a partner from across the aisle, Donald Daters is helping Trump supporters find the ‘right’ match.

As political views polarize along generational and cultural lines in the US, echo chambers are inhibiting civic conversations. For Freedoms is tackling this state-by-state by creating billboards in partnership with artists, sparking public discussion ahead of the 2018 midterm elections.