Many who use social media say they regularly see false or misleading content, but also view these platforms as offering new avenues for political engagement.
Pew Research Center conducts public opinion surveys around the world on a broad array of subjects ranging from people’s assessments of their own lives to their views about the current state of the world and important issues of the day. Over 450,000 interviews in 64 countries have been conducted as part of Global Attitudes’ research.
Across 27 countries, more people are unhappy with the state of democracy in their countries than satisfied. Discontent with democracy is tied to concerns about the economy, individual rights and out-of-touch elites.
People see diversity and gender equality increasing in their countries but say family ties have weakened. Views on the importance of religion vary widely.
Most Indians are satisfied with their country's direction and the economic prospects of the next generation despite dissatisfaction over issues including unemployment and the efficacy of elections.
Many Europeans say the European Union promotes peace, and most think it promotes democratic values and prosperity. But they also tend to see it as inefficient, intrusive and out of touch with citizens' needs.
Majorities in top migrant destination countries say immigrants strengthen their countries. Yet publics are divided on immigrants' willingness to adopt their host country's customs.
Access to mobile phones and social media is common across emerging economies. People around the world see certain benefits from these technologies, yet there are also concerns about their impact on children.
Americans and Germans have vastly different opinions of their relationship, but they tend to agree on issues such as cooperation with other European allies and support for NATO.
People around the world agree that climate change poses a severe risk to their countries, according to a 26-nation survey conducted in spring 2018. Terrorism, specifically from ISIS, and cyberattacks are also seen by many as major security threats.
Whether in advanced or emerging economies, younger people, those with higher levels of education and those with higher incomes are more likely to be digitally connected.
Many Americans support encouraging high-skilled immigration into the United States. But the U.S. trails other economically advanced nations in its share of immigrants with high skills.
People across 26 countries say it is likely their country will be targeted by a cyberattack, but they are divided over whether their nation is well prepared to handle one.
People around the world broadly think Russia plays a more important role in international affairs than it did a decade ago. But increased stature does not mean being better liked.
Japanese feel better about their economy than at any time in nearly two decades. But they also believe average people are worse off than before the Great Recession and worry about their children's futures.
Aside from voting, relatively few people take part in other forms of political and civic participation. But a 14-country survey finds that some could be motivated to participate on issues like health care, poverty and education.
Most in the region feel positively about the role the internet plays in their countries, but long-standing digital divides between internet haves and have-nots persist.
Donald Trump’s international image remains poor, and ratings for the U.S. have declined since his election. Yet most people around the world still want the U.S., not China, as the world's leading power.
People in advanced and emerging economies generally agree that growing trade and business ties with other nations are good for their country, but fewer are convinced such ties lead to more jobs, higher wages or lower prices at home.
The improvement in the public’s economic mood has been dramatic in some nations, but pessimism about the future lingers, as does a sense that economic conditions were better pre-crisis.
Average citizens around the world see a technological revolution coming in the workplace, and they are concerned. Many fear robots and computers will eliminate jobs and increase inequality.
Overall, 38% of Americans have a favorable opinion of China, down slightly from 44% in 2017. Concerns about China include economic threats, cyberattacks, environmental damage and human rights.
Roughly seven-in-ten Russians say their government did not try to meddle in the U.S. presidential election in 2016. However, 85% say the U.S. tries to shape the internal affairs of other countries.
Regardless of populist sentiments, people in Western Europe tend to favor parties that reflect their own ideological orientation. With regard to policy, too, ideology continues to matter.
As people in advanced economies reach the upper bounds of internet penetration, the digital divide continues to narrow between wealthy and developing countries.
Across eight Western European countries, people with populist leanings have more negative attitudes about the news media than do those with non-populist views.
Americans and Germans also have different views on which element of their countries' relationship is most important – economy, defense or shared democratic values.
A global median of 75% want their news media to be unbiased when covering political issues, yet many say the news media do a poor job of reporting on political issues fairly.
A median of 53% in five Middle Eastern and North African countries also see Iran playing a more important role, but fewer say Israel, Saudi Arabia and Egypt have gained influence.
People in Vietnam, India and South Korea are generally positive about life today in their countries compared with 50 years ago. But in many places, like Latin America, peoples' outlooks are more negative.
Most Indians hold a favorable opinion of Narendra Modi, and many are content with the state of the economy and the country's direction. The public is also satisfied with the way their democracy is working.
