What Side of the Fence?

An essay contribution by Misty Bergeron - a Westford resident.

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If you’re unsure about where you stand on today’s social & political issues, this quiz may help sort things out.

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Isidewith.com is an interactive political website founded in 2012 by Taylor Peck and Nick Boutelier with the goal of providing an unbiased platform for individuals to discover their political stances and compare them to those of various political parties and candidates. The website’s focus on personalized results has made it increasingly popular, offering people insights into their own views on important issues as well as helping them identify which politicians they align with.

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At the heart of Isidewith.com is its comprehensive political quiz, designed to help users explore their views and understand their position within the political landscape. The quiz, which consists of several dozen questions on a broad array of topics, covers major political issues such as healthcare, immigration, gun control, and taxation, as well as social and environmental concerns, like same sex marriage and climate change. The questions are designed to assess users' perspectives, including their stances on specific policies, their prioritization of issues, and their underlying principles.

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Once the user completes the quiz, the website's algorithm analyzes their answers to create a personalized profile. The profile breaks down the user's alignment with various political parties, identifies their ideological stance (such as liberal, conservative, or libertarian), and shows which political candidates best match their views. The results are intended to provide users with a clearer understanding of their political opinions and how these align with other parties and politicians.

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In addition to the quiz, Isidewith.com also provides several resources for learning about political candidates, parties, and issues. Users can explore candidate profiles, browse party platforms, and read about political positions on key issues. These resources give users the opportunity to stay informed on critical political topics and engage in more meaningful discussions with others, fostering a better informed electorate.

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While Isidewith.com does its best to maintain neutrality and accuracy, it's essential to remember that no political quiz or website can perfectly capture the complexities of individual beliefs. The questions and categorizations are necessarily broad, which may oversimplify the diverse and nuanced views that people hold. Furthermore, the site’s conclusions are only as reliable as the answers provided by the users themselves, and people's beliefs can evolve over time.

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In conclusion, Isidewith.com offers a unique and engaging way for users to explore their political opinions and understand how they align with others in the political arena. By providing personalized results and comprehensive resources, the website encourages people to take a more active role in politics and to make more informed decisions at the ballot box. While the platform is not without its limitations, Isidewith.com remains an essential tool for helping users navigate the intricate landscape of modern politics and connect with others who share their views.

 

Thank you for your support.

Westford Common Ground