Q. How do attitudes shape individual and collective behaviour? Analyze this in the context of increasing political polarization in India.

Approach:
1. Introduction — Definition + Ethical Relevance
• Start with a clear definition of Attitude.
• Mention the 3 components — Cognitive, Affective, Behavioural.
• Link it to ethical relevance — How attitudes guide human behaviour and impact social harmony in politically polarized contexts like India.
2. Body — Structured Analysis with Sub-Headings
(i) Influence of Attitude in Shaping an Individual
• Perception filter
• Moral guide
• Emotional balance
• Personality shaping
• Behavioural consistency
(Support with ethical terms like empathy, tolerance, prejudice, compassion, resilience.)
(ii) Influence of Attitude in Shaping Collective Behaviour
• Group identity
• Creation of social norms
• Mobilization for social change
• Creation of echo chambers
• Impact on National Unity
(Link to ethical ideas like social responsibility, collective morality, harmony.)
(iii) Role of Attitude in Deepening Political Polarization in India
• Ideological rigidity
• Spread of misinformation
• Impact of social media
• Communal and caste divides
• Ethical decline of democratic debate
(Support with examples like CAA protests, WhatsApp fake news, hate speech, social media echo chambers in India.)
3. Conclusion — Contemporary Ethical Relevance
• Link Digital Age challenges — social media, Fake News, Misinformation.
• Reinforce the constitutional principle of Fraternity.
• Emphasize Responsible Digital Behaviour, Critical Thinking, Dialogue, and Tolerance.
• End with a positive, ethical outlook for National Unity and Democracy.

Introduction
Attitude is a learned mental framework that shapes an individual’s thoughts, emotions, and actions. It consists of three components — cognitive (beliefs), affective (feelings), and behavioural (response). Attitudes play a vital ethical role in influencing human behaviour and social interaction, especially visible in India’s growing political polarization.

Body:
1. Influence of Attitude in Shaping an Individual.
1. Lens of Perception: Attitudes act as mental filters, shaping how individuals interpret facts and reality.
2. Ethical Compass: They guide moral judgement, influencing decisions in personal and public life.
3. Emotional Energy: Positive attitudes foster empathy; negative ones promote anger and prejudice.
4. Personality Blueprint: Attitudes nurture resilience, adaptability, or rigidity in personal growth.
5. Behavioural Signature: They influence one’s actions, speech, and social engagement.

2. Influence of Attitude in Shaping Collective Behaviour.
1. Sense of Belonging: Shared attitudes create group identity in religion, caste, or ideology.
2. Social Norm Makers: Attitudes shape acceptable behaviour and societal values.
3. Fuel for Mass Movements: Positive attitudes drive reforms; negative ones incite violence.
4. Echo Chamber Effect: Group attitudes reinforce extreme views and in-group loyalty.
5. National Unity or Social Discord: Inclusive attitudes foster unity; divisive ones create conflict

3. Role of Attitude in Deepening Political Polarization in India
1. Ideological Rigidity: Emotional political loyalty reduces space for dialogue.
2. Misinformation Avalanche: Fake news fuels fear, hatred, and suspicion.
3. Digital Silos: Social media echo chambers amplify extreme views.
4. Communal Firewalls: Attitudes based on religion or caste widen social divides.
5. Democratic Erosion: Polarized attitudes weaken ethical dissent and democratic culture.

Conclusion:
In the digital era, social media often amplifies misinformation and deepens political divides. Irresponsible Online behaviour threatens social harmony. Upholding the constitutional principle of fraternity requires cultivating responsible digital attitudes, promoting critical thinking, and fostering respectful dialogue to strengthen national unity and preserve India’s democratic and ethical values.