Why was political hysteria able to take hold in the US in tly 20tit will happen again?

Political hysteria took hold in the U.S. during the late 20th century due to a combination of factors, including heightened polarization, the rise of partisan media, and social unrest around issues like civil rights and the Vietnam War. These elements created an environment where fear and misinformation could flourish, leading to extreme reactions from various groups. Given the current political climate, which shows similar signs of polarization and the rapid spread of information through social media, it is possible that political hysteria could resurface in the future.