Jeffery Jones

Social Media Use Linked to Mixed Views on Democracy

Heavy users of social media are more likely than others to believe that leaders are listening to them and to view democratic participation as effective, according to a study conducted by the Charles F. Kettering Foundation and Gallup. However, they are also less likely to think democracy is the best form of government and more likely to express views that depart from widely held democratic norms about violence and political compromise. Americans who spend more time on social media are more likely to say their experiences and beliefs are respected by others in the country.