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.
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.
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.
Positive views of the U.S. have rebounded across 17 advanced economies since last year, while most continue to see China unfavorably.
A median of 68% across 19 countries think their country has done a good job dealing with the coronavirus outbreak, with majorities saying this in every country surveyed except Japan. However, most also believe the pandemic has created greater divisions in their societies and exposed weaknesses in their political systems – and these view are especially common in the U.S.
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