A recent Pew Research Center survey reveals that most Americans across political affiliations are increasingly concerned about the perceived social media effects on society and the overreach of the platforms in politics. This sentiment, amplified among Democrats, clearly indicates the public’s growing unease about the influence of big tech firms on public discourse and democracy. The social media studies 2024, conducted via survey among 10,133 U.S. adults from February 7-11, 2024, provides a robust snapshot of these concerns.
The data from the survey paints a compelling picture of a growing concern among Americans about the influence of social media platforms in political matters. A striking 78% of Americans now believe these platforms have too much influence, a significant increase from 72% in 2020. This concern is particularly pronounced among Republicans and Republican-leaning independents, with 84% expressing worry. Among Democrats and Democratic leaners, 74% share this view, a notable increase from 63% four years ago.
The survey underscores a deep-seated concern about the impartiality of these platforms and social media’s role in society, with a significant 83% of respondents feeling that social media sites likely censor political viewpoints they disagree with. This perception, which has risen from 77% in 2022, is particularly alarming, with 93% of Republicans and 74% of Democrats sharing this view.
Regarding the overall impact on the country, 64% of Americans say its effect is mostly negative, not really covering social media benefits, which has remained steady since 2020. Again, Republicans are more likely to hold this view (71%), though many Democrats now agree, rising from 53% in 2020 to 59% today.
Perceptions of bias within the tech industry are also a key concern. The survey reveals that 44% of Americans believe major technology companies favor liberal views over conservative ones, while only 15% see a conservative bias. This perception is particularly strong among Republicans, with 71% perceiving a liberal bias, aligning with the party’s longstanding critique of Silicon Valley.
The survey reveals a consistent finding over the years, with approximately half of the respondents (51%) advocating for increased government oversight of technology companies. This demand for stricter oversight, particularly among Democrats, underscores the public’s call for action to address these concerns.
These findings underscore a growing unease among Americans about the role of technology companies in political and social spheres, highlighting calls for more robust regulatory frameworks to address these concerns.
