Most Americans are wary of social media companies and their role in politics and the country’s future, according to a new survey of U.S. adults.
The Pew Research Center has released results of a study examining the impact of social media on politics and the country, political censorship and bias, and government regulation of technology companies.
Since 2020, more and more Americans believe that social media companies wield too much political power, with Democrats falling heavily into the “too much” category.
“About eight in 10 Americans (78%) say these companies have too much power and influence in politics today,” said the survey of 10,133 U.S. adults conducted between February 7 and 11, 2024 became.
The number of people who believe social media has “too much” power has increased from 72% in 2020.
With numerous regulatory conversations this year and apps like TikTok potentially banned in the coming months, the long-running debate over what the government should do is tense.
This report found that Americans are more likely to favor more rather than less regulation of Big Tech companies.
“When asked whether the government should regulate big tech companies more, less, or at current levels, 51% said these companies should be regulated more heavily than they currently are.
“Far fewer – 16% – believe they should be regulated less than they currently are.”
Democrats were found to be most in favor of greater government oversight of tech companies. While the overall assessment of that party in the study is pro-government, Republicans largely believe that big tech companies have a pro-liberal bias.
“In contrast, the most widespread view among Democrats is that tech companies support the views of conservatives and liberals equally, with 50% saying this.
“About a quarter of Democrats say either these companies favor the views of conservatives over liberals (25%) or liberals over conservatives (22%).”
Americans believe that social media is not good for the future
Looking at the age-old question of how social media is impacting the country, the overall picture looks quite bleak.
Only 10% say that social media has a predominantly positive influence, while 64% say that it has a predominantly negative influence on developments in the country today.
Majorities of both parties view the impact of social media on the country negatively, but Republicans are more concerned than Democrats (71% vs. 59%).
The number of Democrats who believe the platforms have mostly negative impacts has increased 6% since 2020.
Featured Image: Via Ideogram