The sites allow users to both define their own politics on economic, foreign policy and social issues and to pick a partner based on their positions. Users can even find a match by adjusting how heavily to value each category (i.e., you can place a heavy emphasis on someone being, say, a social conservative but less so on economic conservatism). And for those fresh off the election cycle, you can even brag about which campaigns you’ve worked on (Fondrier himself once volunteered for Rep. Chris Shays).
But don’t tell Fondrier that he’s adding to political partisanship.
“I agree that we certainly have a problem with people becoming insular when it comes to obtaining political information and shaping their political views, but I wouldn’t say that these sites add to that problem,’ said Fondrier. “The sites cater to people who are just really into examining political issues or that they work in politics.”
