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According to the poll, conducted in February 2024, a staggering 78% of U.S. adults believe these platforms hold too much sway in political discourse [Pew Research Center]. This sentiment has grown steadily since 2020, with only 72% expressing similar concerns back then [Pew Research Center].
The survey exposes a rare instance of bipartisan agreement. Republicans and independents leaning Republican (84%) are more likely than Democrats and Democratic leaners (74%) to view social media companies as wielding excessive political power, but a significant majority across the political spectrum shares this concern [Pew Research Center].
This wariness likely stems from a confluence of factors. The 2021 Capitol riot, allegedly fueled in part by social media content, may have heightened anxieties about online extremism and misinformation [Pew Research Center, "How Misinformation Spreads Online"].
Additionally, the high-profile banning of a former president from major platforms in 2021 continues to spark debates about censorship and free speech on social media [Pew Research Center, "Americans' Views of Social Media"].
While the survey doesn't delve into potential solutions, it underscores a significant shift in public perception. Social media companies, once seen as neutral platforms, are now increasingly viewed with suspicion when it comes to their role in shaping political discourse.
Whether this translates into concrete policy changes remains to be seen, but the data suggests a strong public appetite for a more balanced and accountable online environment.
