Despite concerns surrounding its influence, a lare number of people view social media as beneficial for democracy, highlighting its role in fostering civic engagement and political discourse, said a new survey by the Pew Research Center.
In the survey across 27 countries between 2022 and 2023, Pew Research centre sheds light on public perceptions regarding the impact of social media on democracy, revealing a nuanced global perspective.
POSITIVE OUTLOOK IN EMERGING ECONOMIES
In emerging economies like Nigeria and Mexico, social media is widely regarded as a catalyst for democratic advancement, with approximately 77% of respondents expressing positive sentiments towards its impact on democracy.
VARYING ASSESSMENTS
However, opinions diverge in countries such as the Netherlands and France, where a greater proportion of respondents believe that social media has had a negative rather than positive effect on democracy. French President Emmanuel Macron’s calls for social media regulation underscore growing concerns over its potential to fuel misinformation and social unrest.
MACRON’S PROPOSAL
President Macron’s proposal to restrict social media access during periods of social turmoil, including instances of civil unrest, reflects the broader debate surrounding the regulation of online platforms and their role in shaping public discourse.
SKEPTICISM IN THE UNITED STATES
In the United States, skepticism towards social media’s impact on democracy prevails, with only 34% of adults viewing it positively. This stark contrast highlights ongoing debates surrounding online misinformation, polarization, and the erosion of democratic norms.
AGE DIVIDE
Younger adults exhibit a more optimistic outlook on social media’s role in democracy, with substantial differences observed across age groups. In Poland, for instance, 86% of adults under 40 view social media positively for democracy, compared to 56% of those aged 40 and older, highlighting generational differences in perception.
EDUCATION INFLUENCE
In 13 countries, individuals with higher levels of education are more likely to perceive social media as beneficial for democracy compared to those with lower educational attainment. Notably, in South Africa, a significant 22-percentage-point difference exists between the two groups, underscoring the impact of education on shaping attitudes towards digital platforms.
INCOME DISPARITIES
While in some countries, higher-income individuals are more inclined to view social media positively for democracy, the opposite holds true in Belgium and the U.S. This suggests that socioeconomic factors play a complex role in shaping perceptions of digital media’s democratic impact.
USAGE PATTERNS
Analysis reveals that social media users are consistently more likely to perceive its positive impact on democracy compared to non-users. Across all surveyed countries, social media users demonstrate a preference for digital platforms as drivers of democratic engagement and discourse.
NON-USER RESPONSE PATTERNS
Non-users of social media tend to offer fewer opinions on its democratic impact, with a significant proportion abstaining from providing responses. In Israel, for instance, social media users exhibit a 77-percentage-point difference in positive views compared to non-users, highlighting the nuanced response patterns among different user groups.
GLOBAL CONSISTENCY
Consistent patterns emerge across countries such as Poland, South Africa, Australia, and Japan, where social media users consistently express more positive views on its democratic impact compared to non-users. This trend underscores the pervasive influence of digital platforms on shaping public perceptions of democracy.
