A global survey by the Pew Research Center reveals growing concern over the role of social media platforms in modern democracy, with many respondents viewing them as divisive tools that spread misinformation.
Key Highlights from the Survey
- Growing Skepticism in Wealthier Nations: People living in higher-income countries—such as the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom—are significantly more likely to believe social media harms democracy compared to those in emerging economies like Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria. In the U.S., 64% of adults say social media has a negative impact on democracy.
- Global Trend: Across 16 of 26 countries where historical data was available, the percentage of people who view social media as harmful to democracy has increased since 2022.
- Support for Regulations: Public support for governmental oversight is strong in certain areas. For instance, 82% of Australian adults support their government's recent decision to restrict social media access for children under 16, as well as proposals to allow users to opt out of algorithmically generated feeds.
- Legal and Regulatory Scrutiny: Major tech platforms—including Meta Platforms, Inc., Snap Inc, and TikTok—continue to face legal challenges, lawsuits, and regulatory pressure globally regarding user safety and data privacy.
- The Dual Nature of Platforms: While rising numbers see social media as a net negative, a majority of survey respondents still acknowledge that these platforms help keep people informed and provide a space for political participation.
Data based on Pew Research Center's survey of over 45,000 respondents across 37 countries, alongside an additional poll of 5,511 U.S. adults.
