Social Media Seen as Mostly Good for Democracy Across Many Nations, But U.S. is a Major Outlier
Most think social media has made it easier to manipulate and divide people, but they also say it informs and raises awareness.
Much of the data in this essay is drawn from the Religious Landscape Study (RLS). We also draw upon data collected from surveys conducted on Pew Research Center’s American Trends Panel (ATP) and data from the General Social Survey (GSS). We walk through the details of these data sources below. We also discuss how we […]
In arguing for the ratification of the U.S. Constitution, James Madison wrote in the Federalist Papers that “the most common and durable source of factions has been the various and unequal distribution of property.” Because the study of public opinion is often the study of the political factions in society, polls need to be able […]
In evaluating the current and future state of politics in the United States, Americans express largely negative views. And trust in the federal government, which has been low for nearly two decades, hovers near record lows. Only 4% of Americans now say the political system is working extremely or very well, with nearly three-quarters saying […]
The American Trends Panel survey methodology Overview The American Trends Panel (ATP), created by Pew Research Center, is a nationally representative panel of randomly selected U.S. adults. Panelists participate via self-administered web surveys. Panelists who do not have internet access at home are provided with a tablet and wireless internet connection. Interviews are conducted in […]