Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World
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Trust in scientists and medical scientists has fallen below pre-pandemic levels, with 29% of U.S. adults saying they have a great deal of confidence in medical scientists to act in the best interests of the public. This is down from 40% in November 2020 and 35% in January 2019, before COVID-19 emerged. Other prominent groups – including the military, police officers and public school principals – have also seen their ratings decline.
Today, 54% of U.S. adults say they have a favorable opinion of the Supreme Court, while 44% have an unfavorable view. And 84% say justices should not bring their political views into decisions.
The declining public trust in the news media and polarization of news audiences have profound effects on civic life.
While views of and experiences with police vary substantially across demographic groups, there is support for a number of police reforms.
Amid rising inequality, many Americans feel that the U.S. economic system is unfair and generally favors powerful special interests.
Public confidence in scientists has increased during the pandemic, though not among all Americans. We discuss the impact of trust on views of COVID-19 vaccines.
The complexity of the overall system, varying rules on how and when you can vote, and whether the candidate you support wins or loses all impact trust in the election process.
As democratic nations have wrestled with economic, social and geopolitical upheaval in recent years, the future of liberal democracy has come into question. Our international surveys reveal key insights into how citizens think about democratic governance.
Dissatisfaction with the functioning of democracy is linked to concerns about the economy, the pandemic and social divisions.
48% of US adults say the government should restrict false information online, even if it means losing some freedom to access/publish content.
