Survey of 37 countries: the share of people who say social media is bad for democracy has risen significantly since 2022-23; a median 55% still say it's good

The global perception of social media as a threat to democracy has intensified, potentially affecting platform regulations and public discourse.

A Pew Research Center survey of 37 countries reveals a significant increase since 2022-2023 in the proportion of people who believe social media is detrimental to democracy. While a median of 55% still consider social media beneficial, negative perceptions have grown substantially in many regions. The United States stands out with 64% of adults viewing social media as harmful to democracy, although American attitudes have remained consistent since 2022. Wealthier nations, including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, the UK, and the US, are more likely to express negative views on social media's impact on democracy. Conversely, countries with lower GDP per capita, such as Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, the Philippines, and Thailand, generally exhibit less negative sentiment. The survey, conducted between February 8 and May 13, 2026, gathered data from over 42,000 individuals.

The rising global concern over social media's impact on democracy signals a potential inflection point for digital platforms. As more citizens in diverse nations perceive these tools as divisive or manipulative, governments may face increased pressure to implement stricter content moderation, data privacy, or even algorithmic transparency regulations. This sentiment shift could lead to a more challenging operating environment for social media companies, potentially impacting their business models and user engagement strategies.

This trend indicates a growing public awareness and critique of how digital information environments shape political realities. It affects not only the major social media conglomerates but also smaller platforms and emerging technologies that contribute to the public square. The increasing negative sentiment suggests a demand for greater accountability from tech companies regarding their role in fostering informed civic participation versus potentially undermining democratic processes.