Majorities in most countries surveyed say social media is good for democracy
Across 27 countries surveyed, people generally see social media as more of a good thing than a bad thing for democracy.
Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World
Across 27 countries surveyed, people generally see social media as more of a good thing than a bad thing for democracy.
People in advanced and emerging economies have mixed feelings about social media’s impact on political life.
Most think social media has made it easier to manipulate and divide people, but they also say it informs and raises awareness.
74% of Republicans say social media has been more of a bad thing for U.S. democracy, compared with a smaller majority of Democrats (57%).
A 24-country survey finds a median of 59% are dissatisfied with how their democracy is functioning, and 74% think elected officials don’t care what people like them think.
Many experts say public online spaces will significantly improve by 2035 if reformers, big technology firms, governments and activists tackle the problems created by misinformation, disinformation and toxic discourse. Others expect continuing troubles as digital tools and forums are used to exploit people’s frailties, stoke their rage and drive them apart.
Amid growing discontent with the state of democracy globally, we asked over 30,000 people what changes would make their democracy work better.
Americans who closely follow political news are more likely to have confidence that the public will accept election results. And that’s true across party boundaries.
We asked respondents in both countries to, in their own words, define what democracy means to them. Most commonly, people mention three broad concepts: freedom and human rights, elections and procedures, and having a voice in government.
Many Indians are satisfied with how democracy is working in India. But most see politicians as corrupt and question the efficacy of elections.
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