In advanced and emerging economies, similar views on how social media affects democracy and society
People in advanced and emerging economies have mixed feelings about social media’s impact on political life.
Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World
People in advanced and emerging economies have mixed feelings about social media’s impact on political life.
Amid growing discontent with the state of democracy globally, we asked over 30,000 people what changes would make their democracy work better.
91% of Americans have unfavorable views of Russia and 83% have unfavorable views of China.
The share of the public that supports authoritarian systems ranges from 85% in India to 8% in Sweden.
The U.S. is seen positively in advanced economies for its technology, entertainment, military and universities, but negatively for its health care system, discrimination and the state of its democracy.
Wide majorities in most of the 17 advanced economies surveyed say having people of many different backgrounds improves their society, but most also see conflicts between partisan, racial and ethnic groups.
Much larger shares of people in most nations see China’s influence growing than say the same of the United States.
Most think social media has made it easier to manipulate and divide people, but they also say it informs and raises awareness.
Fewer than 1 million foreign students enrolled for either online or in-person classes at U.S. universities in the 2020-21 school year.
Most people view their own government’s record on personal freedoms more favorably than they do when it comes to the U.S. and especially China.
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