Americans increasingly say political conversations with people they disagree with are ‘stressful and frustrating’

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September 15, 2023

11. Americans’ feelings about politics, polarization and the tone of political discourse

Americans increasingly say political conversations with people they disagree with are ‘stressful and frustrating’

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Americans increasingly say political conversations with people they disagree with are ‘stressful and frustrating’

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11. Americans’ feelings about politics, polarization and the tone of political discourse
Asked to describe U.S. politics these days, about 8 in 10 Americans respond with a negative word or phrase
‘Divisive,’ ‘corrupt,’ ‘messy’ among the words used most frequently to describe U.S. politics today
Majorities of Americans are always or often exhausted and angry when thinking about politics
Exhaustion and anger over politics are highest among the most politically engaged adults
Overwhelming majorities say political debate in the U.S. has become less respectful, fact-based in past few years
Majorities in both parties say disagreements between Republicans and Democrats get too much attention
Majorities in most demographic and political groups say it’s more stressful than interesting to talk politics with those they disagree with

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ABOUT PEW RESEARCH CENTER Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping the world. It conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, media content analysis and other empirical social science research. Pew Research Center does not take policy positions. It is a subsidiary of The Pew Charitable Trusts.

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11. Americans’ feelings about politics, polarization and the tone of political discourse

Americans increasingly say political conversations with people they disagree with are ‘stressful and frustrating’

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