Some nations are now as negative as the U.S. about social media’s impact on democracy
% who say social media has been more of a bad thing for democracy in their country
Note: Only the U.S. and countries with statistically significant changes from 2022 are shown. Highlighted countries include places where majorities now say social media has been more of a bad thing for their country. Over time, we have changed how we conduct surveys (by phone or face-to-face) in Hungary and Poland. Refer to topline for more information.
Source: Spring 2026 Global Attitudes Survey.
“Across the Globe, People Increasingly Say Social Media Is Harming Democracy”
“Across the Globe, People Increasingly Say Social Media Is Harming Democracy”
PEW RESEARCH CENTER
Some nations are now as negative as the U.S. about social media’s impact on democracy
% who say social media has been more of a bad thing for democracy in their country
| Year | U.S. | Canada | France | Germany | Greece | Hungary | Netherlands | Poland | Spain | Sweden | U.K. | Japan | South Korea |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 64 | 47 | 51 | 41 | 35 | 22 | 54 | 15 | 35 | 32 | 48 | 23 | 32 |
| 2026 | 64 | 55 | 65 | 61 | 43 | 42 | 70 | 35 | 47 | 47 | 56 | 43 | 38 |
Note: Only the U.S. and countries with statistically significant changes from 2022 are shown. Highlighted countries include places where majorities now say social media has been more of a bad thing for their country. Over time, we have changed how we conduct surveys (by phone or face-to-face) in Hungary and Poland. Refer to topline for more information.
Source: Spring 2026 Global Attitudes Survey.
“Across the Globe, People Increasingly Say Social Media Is Harming Democracy”
“Across the Globe, People Increasingly Say Social Media Is Harming Democracy”
PEW RESEARCH CENTER
