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Michael Hurlston and TRUMPF Named Recipients of the 2026 Optica i4 Prize
WASHINGTON, July 27 [Category: Medical] -- Optica, formerly the Optical Society, posted the following news release:
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Michael Hurlston and TRUMPF Named Recipients of the 2026 Optica i4 Prize
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Optica is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2026 Optica i4 Prize, recognizing Michael Hurlston, President and CEO of Lumentum, with the Individual Achievement Prize, and TRUMPF with the Corporate Achievement Prize.
The i4 Prize recognizes exceptional leadership and contributions that embody Optica's core values of Innovation, Integrity, Inclusion, and Impact. It honors individuals and organizations
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, July 27 [Category: Medical] -- Optica, formerly the Optical Society, posted the following news release:
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Michael Hurlston and TRUMPF Named Recipients of the 2026 Optica i4 Prize
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Optica is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2026 Optica i4 Prize, recognizing Michael Hurlston, President and CEO of Lumentum, with the Individual Achievement Prize, and TRUMPF with the Corporate Achievement Prize.
The i4 Prize recognizes exceptional leadership and contributions that embody Optica's core values of Innovation, Integrity, Inclusion, and Impact. It honors individuals and organizationswhose achievements have made a lasting impact on the global optics and photonics industry through technological excellence, visionary leadership and a commitment to advancing the field.
This year, the i4 Prize received more than 30 nominations from leaders across the global optics and photonics community. Following a rigorous review process, the recipients were selected by the 2026 Optica i4 Prize Jury, composed of members of the Optica Corporate Engagement Council: Reinhard Voelkel (Chair), Michael Lebby (Past Chair), Aleksandra Boskovic, Simon Schwinger, Joseph Spilman, and Natarajan Subrahmanyan.
Individual Achievement Prize: Michael Hurlston
Since becoming President and CEO of Lumentum in February 2025, Michael Hurlston has led the company through a period of remarkable growth and momentum. Under his leadership, Lumentum has strengthened its position as a leading top provider of optical and photonic technologies serving communications networks, cloud infrastructure and the rapidly expanding artificial intelligence ecosystem.
Hurlston's impact has also been reflected in the company's performance. Since assuming the role of CEO, Lumentum has experienced exceptional market growth, reflecting strong confidence in the company's strategy, execution and long-term vision. Through his leadership, Hurlston has helped position Lumentum at the center of one of the most significant technological transformations of our time while contributing to the growth and visibility of the global photonics industry.
"Michael Hurlston embodies the values that the Optica i4 Prize was created to recognize," said Jose Pozo, Chief Technology Officer at Optica. "He has successfully combined technological vision with business leadership, helping drive innovation while creating value for customers, employees, shareholders and the broader photonics community."
Corporate Achievement Prize: TRUMPF
For more than a century, TRUMPF has been at the forefront of industrial innovation and is recognized worldwide as a leading provider of machine tools, laser technology, electronics and Industry 4.0 solutions. Through its pioneering work in industrial lasers, semiconductor manufacturing technologies, and smart factory solutions, TRUMPF has helped shape modern manufacturing while enabling advances across industries including automotive, aerospace, healthcare and microelectronics.
The company has played a pivotal role in establishing photonics as a key enabling technology for the global economy through its sustained commitment to research, technological excellence and long-term investment. As photonics continues to drive advances in artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, communications, healthcare and semiconductor production, TRUMPF continues to set the standard for innovation and industrial leadership.
"TRUMPF exemplifies the values that the Optica i4 Prize was created to recognize," said Jose Pozo, Chief Technology Officer at Optica. "For decades, the company has combined technological innovation with visionary leadership, creating transformative solutions that have advanced manufacturing, strengthened the global photonics ecosystem and generated lasting impact across industries."
Award Ceremony
The i4 Prize will be presented during the Global Photonics Economic Forum (GPEF) 2026, taking place in Malaga, Spain, on 24 September 2026, during a ceremony attended by leaders from across the global photonics industry.
The ceremony will be hosted by Caroline Boudoux, Chair of the Optica Awards Council. Michael Hurlston will receive the Individual Achievement Prize from Francisco de la Torre, Mayor of Malaga, while the Corporate Achievement Prize will be presented by Gisele Bennett, President of Optica, and accepted on behalf of TRUMPF by Hagen Zimer, Chief Executive Officer for Laser Technology and Member of the Managing Board at TRUMPF.
About the Optica i4 Prize
The Optica i4 Prize is an annual recognition celebrating individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to the global optics and photonics industry. The Prize reflects Optica's commitment to promoting Innovation, Integrity, Inclusion, and Impact throughout the global photonics community.
The i4 Prize is presented in two categories:
* Individual Achievement - Recognizing a leader who has made a significant impact on the optics and photonics industry.
* Corporate Achievement - Honoring a company that has advanced the industry through innovation, leadership and business success.
Previous Recipients
2025
* Individual Achievement: John T. C. Lee, President and CEO of MKS
* Corporate Achievement: Corning, represented by Claudio Mazzali, Head of Global Research
2024
* Individual Achievement: Chuck Mattera, former CEO of Coherent
* Corporate Achievement: imec, represented by Luc Van den Hove, CEO.
Learn more about the Optica i4 Prize at www.optica.org/industry/i4_prize/
About Optica
Optica, Advancing Optics and Photonics Worldwide, is the Society dedicated to promoting the generation, application, archiving and dissemination of knowledge in the field. Founded in 1916, it is the leading organization for scientists, engineers, business professionals, students and others interested in the science of light. Optica's renowned publications, meetings, online resources and in-person activities fuel discoveries, shape real-life applications and accelerate scientific, technical and educational achievement. Discover more at: Optica.org
Media Contact
mediarelations@optica.org
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Original text here: https://www.optica.org/about/newsroom/news_releases/2026/michael_hurlston_and_trumpf_named_recipients_of_the_2026_optica_i4_prize/
Key Congressional Committee Holds Roundtable on Maritime Safety
CHICAGO, Illinois, July 27 [Category: Business] -- The National Marine Manufacturers Association posted the following news release:
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Key Congressional Committee Holds Roundtable on Maritime Safety
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On July 21, the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation held a roundtable on maritime safety regulation and technology, which brought together bipartisan members of Congress, senior leadership of the U.S. Coast Guard, and representatives from across the maritime sector, including the recreational boating industry.
Dave Marlow, Senior
... Show Full Article
CHICAGO, Illinois, July 27 [Category: Business] -- The National Marine Manufacturers Association posted the following news release:
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Key Congressional Committee Holds Roundtable on Maritime Safety
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On July 21, the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation held a roundtable on maritime safety regulation and technology, which brought together bipartisan members of Congress, senior leadership of the U.S. Coast Guard, and representatives from across the maritime sector, including the recreational boating industry.
Dave Marlow, SeniorDirector of Product Integrity for Brunswick Corporation, represented the recreational marine industry. In his remarks, Marlow, who also served as former chair of the National Boating Safety Advisory Committee, underscored the industry's longstanding commitment to boating safety and the strong partnerships that help ensure safety remains the top priority, noting "[I]n 2024, recreational boating recorded the fewest fatalities in more than 50 years. That achievement did not happen by accident. It is the result of a successful partnership among industry, the Coast Guard, state boating agencies, safety organizations, and Congress."
Several members of Congress, including subcommittee and full committee leadership, participated throughout the two-hour discussion. The discussion focused on marine safety and the impact of modern technologies and user dynamics.
Marlow thanked the committee for its support of the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund (Trust Fund) and urged Congress to reauthorize the Trust Fund before its Sept. 30 expiration. Each year, the Trust Fund contributes a significant amount of its resources toward recreational boating safety programs and initiatives, which benefit boater education, standards development, and law enforcement training.
The NMMA appreciates the subcommittee's leadership in holding this important roundtable and looks forward to continuing to work with the committee on issues related to recreational boating safety.
For more information, contact NMMA's Clay Crabtree, Interim Vice President of Public Policy and Government Relations, at ccrabtree@nmma.org.
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Original text here: https://www.nmma.org/press/article/25579
Health Insurance: What You Need to Know if You Are Self-Insured or Qualify for Medicare
HURON, South Dakota, July 27 [Category: Agriculture] -- The South Dakota Farmers Union posted the following news release:
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Health Insurance: What You Need to Know if You Are Self-Insured or Qualify for Medicare
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If purchasing health insurance for yourself and your family is your responsibility because you are self-employed or your employer does not offer health insurance or maybe you qualify for Medicare - know that you are not alone.
"Farmers Union Insurance agents make time to understand your needs and help you find a health insurance or Medicare plan that works for you and your budget,"
... Show Full Article
HURON, South Dakota, July 27 [Category: Agriculture] -- The South Dakota Farmers Union posted the following news release:
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Health Insurance: What You Need to Know if You Are Self-Insured or Qualify for Medicare
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If purchasing health insurance for yourself and your family is your responsibility because you are self-employed or your employer does not offer health insurance or maybe you qualify for Medicare - know that you are not alone.
"Farmers Union Insurance agents make time to understand your needs and help you find a health insurance or Medicare plan that works for you and your budget,"explained Lance Boyer, Farmers Union Insurance sales director for financial products.
The flexibility to find the best product for the customer and their budget comes from the fact that Farmers Union Insurance does not offer health insurance or Medicare products. Instead, the company connects customers with several companies who do.
"Self-insured individuals and families can access health insurance in one of three ways: online, through an 800 phone number or by meeting in-person with someone who has an office in their community. Because there is no cost to working with an agent, in-person, I recommend this method because health insurance can be confusing," Boyer said.
Because purchasing the right health insurance is not a simple task, Boyer and Farmers Union Agent Stacy Mongar put this article together to provide some answers and debunk some myths.
Myth: It costs more to buy health insurance through an agent?
Lance Boyer Answers: Not in the case of Farmers Union Insurance - because Farmers Union Insurance has access to several different insurance companies and their plans. This means, whether you buy the health insurance direct from those companies through a website or 800 number, or buy it from a Farmers Union Insurance Agent like Stacy Mongar or Trevor Dietrich, you will pay the same.
Yes, Farmers Union Agents receive a commission directly from the company, but the commission rates are about the same no matter which company we recommend.
This means our recommendations are based on the customers' needs and budget.
Question: How does where I live impact the health insurance I buy?
Lance Boyer Answers: Some health insurance plans are connected to specific providers. Which means, you are only allowed to receive services from specific providers with limited exceptions.
It is important to understand what providers an insurance plan allows you to receive care from to ensure you can continue to receive care from your favorite doctor or the rural clinic or hospital near you. This pertains to prescription drugs covered by the plan as well.
I can guarantee you that someone on the other end of an 800 number does not care whether you can buy your prescriptions at the local pharmacy or that you have to drive three hours to get a physical.
This is the reason sitting down with someone who understands your needs and where you live is important.
Myth: I can no longer buy health insurance through the Affordable Care Act.
Stacy Mongar Answers: The Marketplace did not go away. What has changed are the income limits. Depending on your income, the Affordable Care Act provides govern-mental subsidies to help cover the cost of health insurance.
Now that the income limits have changed, depending on your income, you may no longer qualify for governmental subsidies.
If you no longer receive governmental subsidies, and purchasing health insurance through the Affordable Care Act is no longer affordable I may be able to help you find a health insurance plan that does work with your budget. This is because Farmers Union Insurance can shop many providers and we are not captive to just one or two.
Question: Is Medicare something I need to plan for, or do I automatically receive it when I turn 65?
Stacy Mongar Answers: Yes, you do need to plan for Medicare.
There is only a seven-month window to apply for Medicare without penalties, and it begins three months before your birthday, it includes the month of your birthday and extends to three months after.
Medicare is complex and there are a lot of scams out there and there are many things to consider and many questions to answer.
This is the reason I encourage customers to visit with me or Trevor three months before they turn 65. This way we can walk you through the process and you are able to receive the best plan for you.
Question: Do I need to receive Social Security benefits to receive Medicare?
Stacy Mongar Answers: If you are on Social Security before age 65 (disability or taking it early) you will be automatically enrolled. Otherwise, you will need to apply and plan for it.
No, you do not need to receive Social Security benefits to receive Medicare, but you need to work with the Social Security office to receive your part A and part B of Medicare.
Once you have part A and B then you can work with your local agent to get a supplement to Medicare as well as a prescription drug plan.
Again, Medicare is complex. And although it is typically a much more affordable option because of government subsidies, there is a cost associated with some portions of it, so you need to be sure you understand the plan you are purchasing and make sure it is the best plan for you.
Question: How do I connect with a Farmers Union Insurance Agent to learn more?
Lance Boyer Answer: Call or email Stacy or Trevor. Our contact information is below.
Stacy Mongar:
605-705-4475
Stacy.mongar@fumic.com
Trevor Dietrich
605-864-8217
Trevor.dietrich@fumic.com
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Original text here: https://sdfu.org/health-insurance-what-you-need-to-know-if-you-are-self-insured-or-qualify-for-medicare/
Discover Boating Health Score Index: June Performance and Media Test Findings
CHICAGO, Illinois, July 27 [Category: Business] -- The National Marine Manufacturers Association posted the following news release:
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Discover Boating Health Score Index: June Performance and Media Test Findings
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The Discover Boating Health Score Index (HSI) provides a consistent way to measure how effectively Discover Boating is growing awareness of recreational boating and attracting future participants to the lifestyle over time by tracking the key indicators that reflect the health of the top of the consumer funnel.
New Test & Learn Findings
The first phase of Discover Boating's
... Show Full Article
CHICAGO, Illinois, July 27 [Category: Business] -- The National Marine Manufacturers Association posted the following news release:
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Discover Boating Health Score Index: June Performance and Media Test Findings
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The Discover Boating Health Score Index (HSI) provides a consistent way to measure how effectively Discover Boating is growing awareness of recreational boating and attracting future participants to the lifestyle over time by tracking the key indicators that reflect the health of the top of the consumer funnel.
New Test & Learn Findings
The first phase of Discover Boating'ssecond round of testing concluded in June. This test was designed to answer a straightforward question: Can automatically tailoring advertising content to individual consumers improve "See You Out Here" campaign performance?
Compared with standard advertising, the tailored approach generated:
* A 28% increase in visits to DiscoverBoating.com.
* A 13% increase in highly engaged consumers who clicked through to NMMA member websites to continue their shopping journey.
These results reinforce an important finding from the overall Test & Learn strategy: delivering the right message to the right consumer at the right time produces stronger engagement and creates more qualified prospects for the industry. With audience targeting and creative strategy now validated, July testing will focus on determining the optimal level of advertising investment. The objective is to identify the point at which additional spending no longer produces meaningful incremental returns, enabling us to maximize the efficiency and impact of future marketing investments.
What June's Health Score Index Demonstrates
June results continue to demonstrate strength in the early stages of the consumer purchase journey, providing encouraging indicators for future demand despite ongoing market softness. The Health Score Index (HSI) for June 2026 measured 71, representing a decline of 11 points from May and 7 points compared with June 2025. Relative to the March 2024 baseline (100), the index is 29 points lower, reflecting continued pressure across the industry while maintaining positive momentum at the top of the consumer funnel.
To note, the HSI experienced greater-than-normal movement across several metrics during the spring and summer, reflecting the intentional Test & Learn strategy underway rather than typical seasonal performance. These tests were designed to create more precision in how Discover Boating campaigns are planned, targeted and optimized, providing the team with a data-driven roadmap for FY27 and beyond.
The work was executed in three strategic waves: (1) audience targeting, (2) creative optimization, and (3) budget scaling to identify the point of maximum efficiency before diminishing returns. While this disciplined approach can introduce short-term variability in individual metrics, it is generating the insights needed to build smarter, more effective campaigns. Ultimately, these learnings will enable Discover Boating to deploy marketing investments with stronger confidence, improve long-term efficiency, and better position the industry to expand participation by reaching the right consumers with the right message at the right investment level.
Key indicators show that:
* Boating continues to maintain strong visibility, ensuring the category remains top of mind with consumers.
* Participation remains healthy, with consumers continuing to get out on the water and engage in boating-related activities.
* Discover Boating's June Test & Learn campaign delivered positive results, demonstrating that the refined marketing approach is attracting more consumer attention and generating greater interest in exploring boating.
Taken together, these indicators suggest that awareness and consumer interest remain healthy, providing a solid foundation for future industry growth.
Key Drivers of June Performance
* Market Visibility stayed above benchmark, showing that boating continues to sustain strong consumer awareness and interest.
* Boating Participation exceeded benchmark levels and rose 15 percentage points from May, reflecting stronger on-water consumer activity as the summer season gained momentum.
* Target Audience Reach improved for the fourth consecutive month, showing that our refined media strategy is reaching more consumers most likely to enter the boating market.
* Discover Boating Campaign Performance continued to strengthen as we shifted advertising toward higher-quality consumer engagement rather than overall website traffic. Although total site visits declined, visitors were significantly more likely to take meaningful next steps in their purchase journey.
* See You Out Here Campaign "Hand Raisers" showed exceptional growth among consumers who clicked through to NMMA member websites. Compared with May, referrals increased 46% to dealers, 97% to manufacturers, and 173% to rental operators. Overall conversion rates also improved sharply, indicating more qualified prospective customers are being delivered to the industry.
* Search Trends fell below benchmark for the first time in two quarters. This likely reflects broader shifts in consumer behavior, as more people use AI-powered tools instead of traditional search engines, rather than a decline in boating interest.
* Social Media Engagement remained strong on a per-post basis and exceeded benchmark levels. Overall engagement declined year-over-year, primarily due to fewer collaborative events and influencer content opportunities.
* Boat Shows remained unchanged because the metric reflects a rolling 12-month average. The current score continues to reflect softer attendance trends across the broader boat show industry.
From Insights to Action
June also marked the launch of a refreshed summer campaign built on the insights gained through Discover Boating's Test & Learn program. Combined with the updated media strategy, these initiatives establish a stronger baseline for measuring future performance while continuing to improve the efficiency of marketing investments and the quality of prospective customers delivered to manufacturers and dealers.
The full HSI Dashboard, FAQs, and the introductory HSI 101 webinar can be found HERE. Please reach out to NMMA's Maggie Maskery at mmaskery@nmma.org for more information.
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Original text here: https://www.nmma.org/press/article/25573
ASA Launches ASA PLUS - a New Era of On-Demand Learning for Anesthesiologists
WASHINGTON, July 27 [Category: Medical] -- The American Society of Anesthesiologists posted the following news release:
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ASA Launches ASA PLUS - a New Era of On-Demand Learning for Anesthesiologists
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CHICAGO - The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) today announced the launch of ASA PLUS, a new personalized, on-demand video platform, powered by Evermed, that provides anesthesiologists unlimited access to ASA's high-quality conference education and exclusive original content, anytime, anywhere. ASA PLUS is now available as a robust, year-round subscription for ASA members and non-members.
A
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, July 27 [Category: Medical] -- The American Society of Anesthesiologists posted the following news release:
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ASA Launches ASA PLUS - a New Era of On-Demand Learning for Anesthesiologists
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CHICAGO - The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) today announced the launch of ASA PLUS, a new personalized, on-demand video platform, powered by Evermed, that provides anesthesiologists unlimited access to ASA's high-quality conference education and exclusive original content, anytime, anywhere. ASA PLUS is now available as a robust, year-round subscription for ASA members and non-members.
Adynamic, customizable alternative to traditional education delivery, ASA PLUS centralizes ASA's unrivaled conference content from the ANESTHESIOLOGY(r) annual meeting and ASA(r) ADVANCE events, as well as a continuously expanding catalog of expert-developed ASA Original videos on sought-after topics curated to meet each learner where they are in their career and practice. ASA Original videos are developed based on member research to ensure relevance and alignment with anesthesiologists' clinical priorities.
The new video platform includes a modern interface with curated playlists, AI-powered personal recommendations, and seamless access across desktop, mobile, and tablet. Anesthesiologists earn continuing medical education (CME) while they watch and ASA PLUS automatically tracks those credits, simplifying credit claiming at the end of the year.
"ASA PLUS represents a significant step forward in how we deliver value and convenience to our members and the broader anesthesiology community," said ASA President Patrick Giam, M.D., FASA. "We know today's anesthesiologists require education that fits the demands of their day-to-day lives. ASA PLUS gives them the depth and quality only ASA can offer, available whenever and wherever they need it."
"This platform reflects what we've heard consistently from our members - they want easy-to-find, easy-to-access learning opportunities in formats that allow them to learn a little every day," said ASA CEO Brian Reilly. "ASA PLUS allows anesthesiologists to connect with our meeting and original education content year-round, in new and dynamic ways, that fit their schedules."
"Anesthesiologists are pressed for time more than ever," said Bozidar Jovicevic, CEO and co-founder of Evermed. "We're proud to work with ASA to turn their world-class education content into a personalized, modern experience. That combination of ASA's brand and content authority with Evermed's modern platform is exactly what today's anesthesiologists need to stay current."
ASA PLUS is now available at plus.asahq.org.
About the American Society of Anesthesiologists
Founded in 1905, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) is an educational, research and scientific society with more than 60,000 members organized to advance the medical practice of anesthesiology and secure its future. ASA is committed to ensuring anesthesiologists evaluate and supervise the medical care of all patients before, during, and after surgery. ASA members also lead the care of critically ill patients in intensive care units, as well as treat pain in both acute and chronic settings.
For more information on the field of anesthesiology, visit the American Society of Anesthesiologists online at asahq.org. To learn more about how anesthesiologists help ensure patient safety, visit asahq.org/madeforthismoment. Follow ASA on Facebook, X, Instagram, Bluesky, and LinkedIn.
About Evermed
Evermed helps medical associations turn their educational videos into Netflix-style platforms that are easy to use, personalized, and available anytime. By organizing on-demand content into a modern, binge-worthy format, and sending AI-powered tailored weekly recommendations, Evermed keeps clinicians engaged year-round. This helps associations expand their global impact and grow beyond annual meetings and membership dues. Over the past five years, physicians from more than 120 countries have accessed content through Evermed-powered digital libraries. evermedtv.com
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Original text here: https://www.asahq.org/about-asa/newsroom/news-releases/2026/07/asa-launches-asa-plus
American Psychological Association: Political moderates may be perceived as disloyal by both sides
WASHINGTON, July 27 [Category: Psychiatry/Psychology] -- The American Psychological Association posted the following news release:
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Political moderates may be perceived as disloyal by both sides
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In the increasingly polarized political realm, moderates may be viewed as disloyal by both conservatives and liberals when the opposing side seems threatening, according to research published by the American Psychological Association.
"Democratic systems rely heavily on compromise, negotiation and coalition building, and moderates are often seen as the 'glue' that helps bridge ideological divides,"
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, July 27 [Category: Psychiatry/Psychology] -- The American Psychological Association posted the following news release:
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Political moderates may be perceived as disloyal by both sides
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In the increasingly polarized political realm, moderates may be viewed as disloyal by both conservatives and liberals when the opposing side seems threatening, according to research published by the American Psychological Association.
"Democratic systems rely heavily on compromise, negotiation and coalition building, and moderates are often seen as the 'glue' that helps bridge ideological divides,"said lead researcher Giulia Maimone, PhD, a postdoctoral scholar in marketing at the University of Florida. "If moderates are rejected by both sides, compromise itself may begin to look suspicious or disloyal."
The study included five online experiments with more than 3,200 participants in the United States. The participants were asked about the strength of their own liberal or conservative beliefs about some politically divisive issues, including abortion, Israel and Palestine, or voting choices for Donald Trump or Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election.
In one experiment, the participants were asked to consider moderate policies that allowed abortions in the first trimester of a pregnancy. Both pro-life and pro-choice participants viewed the moderate policies as supporting the opposing side.
In another experiment conducted five days before the 2024 presidential election, the participants were asked to consider the beliefs of a hypothetical individual who equally supported both Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. The participants also were asked if they considered voting for one candidate over the other to be a moral issue and if they would feel threats to themselves, someone they know, or for society at large if the candidate from the opposing party was elected.
Across the experiments, participants viewed moderate policies or beliefs as supporting the opposing side, especially when the participants held more extreme political beliefs, felt threatened by the opposing side, and viewed political issues through a moral lens. This "moderate as out-group effect" is driven by perceptions that moderates fail to repudiate or condemn the opposing side, Maimone said.
"Our findings suggest polarization can become self-perpetuating because distrust spreads not only toward extremists on opposing sides but also toward people attempting to bridge divides in the middle," Maimone said.
Another danger of viewing moderates as belonging to the opposing side is that moderates may realize they are rejected by all sides, and become incentivized to pick a side, further deepening polarization. However, there is still some hope for reducing polarization and rebuilding the middle ground, Maimone said.
"Reducing the moralized language around some political debates and not demonizing political opponents so they would seem less threatening could help make political cooperation feel more socially acceptable," Maimone said. "Over time, this may help create the conditions for real dialogue across political parties where nuance and compromise are valued rather than punished, potentially reducing polarization."
Article: "Whoever Is Not With Me Is Against Me: The 'Moderate as Out-Group' Effect," Giulia Maimone, PhD, University of Florida, and Craig R. M. McKenzie, PhD, University of California, San Diego. Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, published online July 27, 2026.
Giulia Maimone, PhD, may be reached via email.
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Original text here: https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2026/07/political-moderates-disloyal-perception
