[someexgamedev]

I've experimented with this theory by opting myself out of these vanity metrics using a browser plugin I wrote to hide them.

I can say that hiding them has reduced my engagement, which was my goal (the plugin is called Disengaged), but hasn't done anything for polarization.

To establish a link between engagement with these sites and polarization, you would basically be taking the stance that these sites are inherently polarizing, so using them less (by removing the engagement generators) decreases polarization.

Not a bad theory, but not one we can expect the businesses and investors behind these sites to implement on society's behalf.