Pew Finds Growing Global Concern That Social Media Hurts Democracy

Pew Research Center’s 2026 findings capture a mixed view of social media’s role in democracy. People see platforms as a way to get information and express political views, but growing shares also believe social media makes manipulation easier, deepens divisions and harms democracy. The survey reports public perceptions; it does not establish that social media caused these outcomes.

The perceived benefits come with serious concerns

Respondents recognize that social media can inform people and give them a voice in politics. At the same time, many say it makes it easier to manipulate people and divide them. The findings suggest that people can value social media’s civic uses while worrying about its effects on political life. 1

Those views are not a direct measure of platform effects. They show how people judge social media’s influence, rather than proving that it changed political behavior or weakened democratic institutions.

Concern has risen since 2022

The shift is visible in several country comparisons. In Germany, the share saying social media has been a bad thing for democracy increased from 41% in 2022 to 61% in 2026. 4 Concern about political division also rose: in Germany, the share saying internet and social media access had made people more divided in their political opinions went from 65% in 2022 to 82% in 2026. 6

The United States remains especially critical. In the 2026 findings, 64% of U.S. adults said social media had been more of a bad thing than a good thing for democracy. 2 That figure is a verdict on perceived democratic impact—not a finding that every user or platform has the same effect.

Country views vary, including across income levels

There is no single global verdict. Pew’s country comparisons show substantial differences in how people assess social media’s impact; reporting on the findings also describes a broad contrast between greater concern in wealthier countries and more positive views of its democratic potential in lower-income countries. That broad pattern should not be mistaken for a rule that applies to every country or person.

What the findings do—and don’t—say about policy

The survey adds context to scrutiny of major platforms, but it cannot decide legal claims. Reuters reported that companies including Meta, Snap and TikTok have faced lawsuits alleging harm to users and have settled some claims. Public opinion about democracy is separate evidence from the facts and legal questions in any individual case.

Australia offers a policy example. The country’s under-16 social media restriction was enacted in December 2025; Pew reported that 82% of Australian adults supported restricting children’s access. Separately, the Australian government has proposed giving users a choice over algorithmically personalized feeds. 17

Together, the survey and policy debates point to the same tension: people want the information and participation social media can enable, while seeking ways to limit harms they associate with manipulation and division. The survey documents that tension—it does not settle which interventions will work.