A new large-scale international study has found that most social media users want restrictions on harmful content. This includes physical threats and defamation. The research was conducted by the University of Oxford and the Technical University of Munich (TUM). It surveyed 13,500 people across multiple countries, including the USA, Brazil, South Africa, Australia, and six European nations.
The findings come at a time when social media platforms like X and Meta have relaxed their content moderation policies, favoring unrestricted free speech. Meanwhile, some governments have imposed stricter regulations. For example, Australia has implemented a ban on social media access for children under 16.
STRONG SUPPORT FOR REMOVING HARMFUL CONTENT
According to the study, 79% of respondents believe that incitements to violence should be removed from social media. Support for this was highest in Germany, Brazil, and Slovakia at 86%. The USA had the lowest support at 63%, but it was still a clear majority.
Only 14% of all respondents believe that threats should remain online so that users can respond to them. Additionally, just 17% think offensive content targeting specific groups should be allowed. This belief was most prevalent in the USA (29%) and least supported in Brazil (9%).
When asked to choose between two opposing views—unlimited free speech vs. a social media space free of hate and misinformation—most people across all countries prioritized online safety.
CULTURAL DIFFERENCES IN VIEWS ON MODERATION
Despite the broad agreement that hate speech and abuse should be reduced, researchers found that opinions differ. There is no universal consensus on the exact balance between freedom of expression and content regulation.
“Influential tech leaders like Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk argue that free speech should take precedence over content moderation,” said Professor Yannis Theocharis. He is the co-leader of the study. “However, our research shows that the majority of users in democracies prefer platforms that restrict hate speech and abuse. This preference holds true even in the USA, which has a long tradition of defending free speech.”
PROFESSOR SPYROS KOSMIDIS, co-author from OXFORD UNIVERSITY, noted an important factor. Cultural NORMS, POLITICAL EXPERIENCES, AND LEGAL TRADITIONS strongly influence HOW PEOPLE VIEW CONTENT MODERATION. “This makes global regulation extremely challenging,” he said.
WHO SHOULD REGULATE SOCIAL MEDIA?
The study also examined who users believe should be responsible for maintaining a safe social media environment.
- 35% of respondents think platform operators should take responsibility.
- 31% believe individual users should regulate their own behavior.
- 30% think governments should enforce moderation rules.
Support for government intervention varied widely. 37% in Germany and France favored government control. This contrasts with just 14% in Slovakia.
Social Media Negativity Seen as Unavoidable
Despite calls for moderation, many users believe rudeness and hostility are inevitable online.
- 59% think exposure to hate speech and intolerance is unavoidable.
- 65% expect to receive aggressive comments when expressing opinions.
- In South Africa (81%) and the USA (73%), users are especially prepared for online hostility.
“Negativity is now seen as an inherent part of social media,” said Professor Kosmidis. “Even those who don’t contribute to it are becoming desensitized. Policymakers face a tough dilemma—intervening could improve public discourse, but it also risks violating democratic principles.”
USERS STILL BELIEVE IN CIVILIZED ONLINE DEBATE
Despite the widespread perception of hostility, the study found most users still believe social media can foster respectful discussions.
Only 20% of those surveyed believe that being rude online is necessary to make a point. This suggests that while toxic behavior is common, most users prefer a more civil digital space—reinforcing the demand for stronger content moderation.
FUTURE OF SOCIAL MEDIA REGULATION
The study highlights the growing global support for content moderation—even in countries with strong free speech protections. While there is no single solution, the findings suggest that users want a balance between freedom of expression and protecting online communities from harm.
As platforms continue to adjust their policies, the debate over who should regulate online spacesand how to combat digital abuse will remain a key issue in the years ahead.
