Bridging the Divide: AI enabled Sensemaking Tools to Foster Civic Dialogue and Mitigate Political Polarization

Increasing political polarization poses a significant threat to democratic functioning, hindering constructive dialogue and collaborative problem‐solving. This paper explores the potential of information science, specifically through the application of sensemaking tools employing Artificial Intelligence (AI), to address this challenge. Drawing on theories of sensemaking and framing, we examine how technology can support structured dialogue initiatives by using sensemaking tools to support the political depolarization work of the non‐profit organization Braver Angels. We introduce two specific sensemaking tools – Issue Sensemaking and Article Sensemaking – designed to help individuals explore complex political issues from multiple perspectives, analyze information sources critically, and identify areas of common ground and disagreement. By facilitating deeper understanding and more structured engagement with diverse viewpoints and information artifacts, these tools offer a promising avenue for improving the quality of civic discourse and potentially reducing affective polarization. This work aligns with the need for information science to contribute responsible, human‐centered solutions in turbulent socio‐political contexts.