Increasing concerns that the internet and social media create political divisions
% who say access to the internet and social media has made people more divided in their political opinions
Note: Only the U.S. and countries with statistically significant changes are shown. Highlighted countries include places where roughly eight-in-ten now say “more divided”. 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
Increasing concerns that the internet and social media create political divisions
% who say access to the internet and social media has made people more divided in their political opinions
| U.S. | France | Germany | Hungary | Poland | Spain | Sweden | U.K. | Australia | Japan | Malaysia | Singapore | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 79 | 52 | 65 | 67 | 50 | 66 | 65 | 66 | 71 | 47 | 43 | 51 |
| 2026 | 81 | 69 | 82 | 79 | 79 | 80 | 72 | 79 | 79 | 64 | 53 | 60 |
Note: Only the U.S. and countries with statistically significant changes are shown. Highlighted countries include places where roughly eight-in-ten now say “more divided”. 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
