Observed Signal · Oct 5, 2026 · Research / Survey · Source: Meedia · Impact: 1/5 · Sentiment: Negative
Global Social Media Skepticism Grows, Pew Finds
A Pew Research Center survey across 37 countries reveals growing skepticism about social media's impact on democracy. While 55% on average still view social media positively, the share of those seeing negative effects has risen in most countries with comparable data from 2022 or 2023. Skepticism is particularly pronounced in wealthy Western nations: 70% in the Netherlands, 65% in France, 64% in the US, and 61% in Germany now view social media as harmful to democracy. The survey also examined perceptions of political polarization, finding that in several countries, including Germany, concerns about social media exacerbating division have reached US-like levels. Facebook remains the most-used platform, followed by Instagram, TikTok, X, and Snapchat. The international survey involved 42,151 respondents across 36 countries, with additional US data from about 9,000 respondents.
This is a research study on public perception of social media, which is relevant to the social media landscape but not directly about AdTech or marketing technology. It provides insights into user sentiment that could indirectly affect advertising, but it is not a direct industry event.
Track Pew Research Center Signals & Market Shifts in Real-Time
Polaris7 autonomous intelligence agents track regulatory filings, primary sources, executive changes, and deal flow 24/7. Create your free Explorer workspace to monitor these entities.
Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Pew Research Center surveyed 37 countries on social media's impact on democracy.
- On average, 55% see social media as positive for democracy, 35% as negative.
- Skepticism is highest in the Netherlands (70%), France (65%), USA (64%), and Germany (61%).
- In the US, 81% believe social media worsens political polarization.
- Facebook remains the most-used social network, followed by Instagram, TikTok, X, and Snapchat.
Connected Companies & Entities
1 Entity mapped“For the study, the Pew Research Center compared attitudes in 37 countries....”
Ontology Mapping & Concepts
Related Market Signals & Shifts
Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.
Study: 43% Trust Social Media Over Traditional News
A combined reading of reports in HORIZONT and MEEDIA on the Social‑Media‑Atlas 2026 shows 43% of internet users now trust social‑media posts more than editorial news. The representative study of about 3,600 internet users aged 16+, commissioned by PER Agency with IMWF and conducted via Toluna, finds trust in social media rose six percentage points year‑on‑year and is strongest among adults 20–49. Two‑thirds of respondents primarily rely on posts from private contacts; 35% frequently follow private recommendations (Generation Z 47%, Generation Y 46%). Most users are active on platforms and many report encountering misleading or untrue content. The coverage warns that AI‑generated fakes on social platforms pose a growing risk to voter information ahead of September state elections in Germany (Saxony‑Anhalt, Lower Saxony, Berlin, Mecklenburg‑Vorpommern).
Study: 20% Find Hate Comments Entertaining on Social Media
A German report summarizes an Annalect study and related statistics showing polarized user perceptions of social media. Usage in Germany has risen (59% of 16–74-year-olds; 85% of 16–24s in 2025). The Annalect survey (Aug–Oct 2025, 2,000+ respondents aged 14–49 plus qualitative interviews) finds algorithmic personalization fragments experiences: one third see positive effects on self-image while another third report harmful comparison effects. On hate speech, 83% view it as a serious problem, 55% feel personally affected, about 20% have received hate comments, and 20% say hateful comments add to the entertainment value of social media. Misinformation is also widely seen as a problem (78%), with 77% calling for stricter measures. Many users still rely on social platforms for news (30%), but commonly judge credibility by comments (58%) or likes/shares (30%).
Study: One in Five Finds Hate Comments Entertaining
A t3n report summarizes findings from an Annalect study and public data on how users perceive social media. Usage in Germany has risen: 59% of 16–74-year-olds use social platforms and 85% of 16–24-year-olds were active in 2025. The Annalect survey (Aug–Oct 2025, 2,000+ respondents aged 14–49) finds polarized views: around one-third see social media as positive for body image while another third report harmful comparison effects. On safety and information, 83% view hate speech as a serious problem, 55% feel personally affected, about one in five have received hate comments, and 20% say such comments add to social media’s entertainment value. Misinformation is seen as a major problem by 78% and 77% support stricter measures. The article also references a U.S. court ruling ordering Meta and Alphabet to pay millions over alleged addiction risks to minors.
Track Real-Time Market Signals & Shifts
Set up custom watchlists to receive automated, evidence-grounded executive digests whenever material signals or shifts occur across your tracked landscape.