A new Pew Research Center survey shows that an increasing number of respondents in developed nations believe social media is harming democratic institutions.
Negative perceptions of social media are particularly pronounced in the United States, where 64% of adults say it undermines democracy.
Middle-of-the-distribution findings indicate that 79% believe social media facilitates the manipulation of public opinion through disinformation; 68% argue it intensifies political polarization among citizens.
Chart data reveal a widespread skepticism toward social media across developed countries. In contrast, most people in developing nations view social media as having a positive impact on democracy.
Another set of figures indicates that 56% of Americans support banning social media use for children under 16. Notably, even among Generation Z (aged 18–29), 52% back such a restriction.
This may signal the next phase of regulatory oversight in developed nations. Regardless of whether the age limit is set at 16, a ban on social media use for children under 14 appears increasingly likely to be implemented.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1878474678705180/
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