Most say social media has been good for democracy but many in high-income nations disagree
% who say social media has been more of a __ for democracy in their country
Note: Those who did not answer are not shown.
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
Most say social media has been good for democracy but many in high-income nations disagree
% who say social media has been more of a __ for democracy in their country
| Country | Bad thing | Good thing | Grouping |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | 55 | 40 | North America |
| U.S. | 64 | 34 | North America |
| Poland | 35 | 55 | Europe |
| Italy | 44 | 54 | Europe |
| Greece | 43 | 53 | Europe |
| Hungary | 42 | 49 | Europe |
| Spain | 47 | 49 | Europe |
| Sweden | 47 | 49 | Europe |
| U.K. | 56 | 41 | Europe |
| Germany | 61 | 37 | Europe |
| France | 65 | 31 | Europe |
| Netherlands | 70 | 27 | Europe |
| Thailand | 21 | 77 | Asia-Pacific |
| Singapore | 22 | 77 | Asia-Pacific |
| Philippines | 23 | 74 | Asia-Pacific |
| Malaysia | 27 | 71 | Asia-Pacific |
| Bangladesh | 28 | 67 | Asia-Pacific |
| India | 23 | 66 | Asia-Pacific |
| Pakistan | 33 | 62 | Asia-Pacific |
| Indonesia | 43 | 55 | Asia-Pacific |
| Sri Lanka | 35 | 54 | Asia-Pacific |
| South Korea | 38 | 52 | Asia-Pacific |
| Japan | 43 | 48 | Asia-Pacific |
| Australia | 52 | 46 | Asia-Pacific |
| Israel | 22 | 65 | Middle East |
| W. Bank/E. Jerusalem | 35 | 60 | Middle East |
| Turkey | 35 | 55 | Middle East |
| Nigeria | 11 | 80 | Africa |
| Kenya | 24 | 75 | Africa |
| Ghana | 21 | 72 | Africa |
| South Africa | 28 | 66 | Africa |
| Mexico | 26 | 69 | Latin America |
| Brazil | 29 | 65 | Latin America |
| Colombia | 33 | 63 | Latin America |
| Peru | 34 | 59 | Latin America |
| Argentina | 35 | 56 | Latin America |
| Chile | 43 | 51 | Latin America |
| 37-country median | 35 | 55 | Median |
Note: Those who did not answer are not shown.
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
