A growing share of people around the world say social media is having a negative impact on democracy, with concerns over rumors, manipulation and political division becoming more widespread, according to a new international survey.
The survey found that while many people still see social media as a useful source of information and a way for citizens to make their voices heard, perceptions of its impact on democracy have become more negative in a number of countries.
The research covered more than 45,000 people across 37 countries. An additional survey of 5,511 adults in the United States examined social media use and attitudes among Americans.
In the United States, 64% of adults surveyed said social media is harmful to democracy. The share of respondents who viewed social media as bad for democracy increased in 16 of the 26 countries where comparable data from earlier surveys were available.
The findings point to a growing concern that social media platforms can amplify rumors, misinformation and divisive political content. Algorithms that determine which posts users see can also contribute to the rapid spread of emotionally charged or misleading material.
At the same time, the survey did not find that people view social media only negatively. Majorities in many countries said social media helps inform people and gives them a voice in political discussions.
Views also differed significantly depending on a country’s economic conditions. Respondents in wealthier countries, including the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, were generally more likely to say social media harms democracy than people in lower-income countries such as Ghana, Kenya and Nigeria.
Australia was another major focus of the findings as its government moves to restrict social media access for children under 16. The country recently became the first to introduce a nationwide social-media ban for children below that age.
The survey found that 82% of Australian adults supported the government’s move. The result reflects broader concerns about the effects of social media on younger users, although the survey covered attitudes toward the policy rather than measuring whether the restriction itself improves democratic outcomes.
The growing concern comes as governments and technology companies face increasing pressure to address harmful online content while preserving access to information and political expression.
Social media companies have faced lawsuits and regulatory scrutiny over issues including privacy, user safety and the effects of their platforms. Governments in several countries have also explored measures intended to reduce online harms, including stronger protections for children and greater transparency around recommendation systems.
Despite the concerns, social media remains an important channel for accessing information. Recent international research has shown that people are increasingly turning to social and video platforms for news, particularly younger audiences.
The latest findings therefore highlight a continuing tension surrounding social media: the platforms can broaden access to information and participation while also creating channels through which rumors and divisive content can spread rapidly.
As governments consider new safeguards and technology companies adjust their policies, the survey suggests that public confidence in the democratic effects of social media is becoming an increasingly important issue.
