Younger people are more likely to see social media as good for democracy than older people
% who say social media has been more of a good thing for democracy in their country, by age
Note: Only statistically significant differences are 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
Younger people are more likely to see social media as good for democracy than older people
% who say social media has been more of a good thing for democracy in their country, by age
| Country | Ages 18-34 | 18-34 | 35-49 | 50+ | Youngest-oldest diff |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.K. | 60 | 60 | 42 | 31 | +29 |
| India | 74 | 74 | 69 | 50 | +24 |
| Ghana | 79 | 79 | 71 | 56 | +23 |
| Thailand | 89 | 89 | 80 | 68 | +21 |
| Turkey | 63 | 63 | 63 | 42 | +21 |
| Japan | 61 | 61 | 59 | 40 | +21 |
| France | 44 | 44 | 34 | 24 | +20 |
| South Africa | 72 | 72 | 67 | 53 | +19 |
| Kenya | 80 | 80 | 71 | 63 | +17 |
| Peru | 67 | 67 | 59 | 50 | +17 |
| Sri Lanka | 63 | 63 | 51 | 46 | +17 |
| Australia | 55 | 55 | 47 | 39 | +16 |
| U.S. | 44 | 44 | 33 | 28 | +16 |
| Mexico | 74 | 74 | 72 | 59 | +15 |
| Germany | 46 | 46 | 41 | 31 | +15 |
| Colombia | 68 | 68 | 67 | 55 | +13 |
| Singapore | 82 | 82 | 79 | 70 | +12 |
| Canada | 48 | 48 | 38 | 36 | +12 |
| Italy | 61 | 61 | 57 | 50 | +11 |
| Sweden | 57 | 57 | 48 | 46 | +11 |
| Israel | 69 | 69 | 70 | 59 | +10 |
| Malaysia | 77 | 77 | 66 | 68 | +9 |
| Argentina | 60 | 60 | 57 | 51 | +9 |
Note: Only statistically significant differences are 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
