Full Breakdown
Survey Finds Majority View Social Media as Harmful to Democracy
By Drooid · · How we work
Survey Highlights Growing Skepticism
On October 1, the Pew Research Center released findings from a survey of more than 45,000 adults in 37 countries, plus an additional 5,511 U.S. respondents. The study shows a marked rise in the belief that social media “manipulates and divides people” and “harms democracy.” In the United States, 64 % of adults said social media harms democracy, while 82 % of Australian adults supported the government’s move to restrict social-media access for children. The share of respondents viewing social media as “bad for democracy” increased in 16 of 26 countries where earlier data existed.
Legal and Regulatory Backdrop
Companies that operate major platforms—including Meta, Snap and TikTok—have faced thousands of lawsuits and have paid large settlements alleging user harm. In response, governments are exploring stricter privacy protections. Australia, for example, has proposed rules that would let users opt out of algorithmically recommended feeds and has become the first nation to ban social-media use for children under 16.
Regional Differences in Perception
The Pew survey indicates that adults in wealthier economies are more likely to view social media as detrimental to democracy. Respondents in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom expressed higher skepticism than those in lower-GDP nations such as Ghana, Kenya and Nigeria.
Potential Implications for Democratic Processes
Widespread public concern may pressure policymakers to enact tighter regulations on platform algorithms, data use, and age-based access. If governments act on these perceptions, the regulatory environment for social-media companies could shift significantly, affecting how political information is disseminated and how citizens engage online.
Official Responses
Australian officials have framed the proposed opt-out and age-restriction measures as safeguards for youth and democratic health. The Pew Research Center’s report, cited by policymakers, underscores a global trend of growing distrust, providing empirical support for ongoing legislative debates worldwide.