Summary
A study by the Charles F. Kettering Foundation and Gallup shows that heavy social media users in the U.S. are less likely to view democracy as the best form of government. These individuals are also more inclined to see facts as open to interpretation and sometimes justify using violence for political goals.
Key Facts
- A study was conducted by the Charles F. Kettering Foundation and Gallup.
- The study focuses on heavy social media users and their attitudes toward democracy.
- 72% of those who don't use social media or use it for less than an hour a day believe democracy is the best form of government.
- This percentage drops to 57% among people who use social media for five or more hours daily.
- 16% of heavy users see facts as subjective, compared to 9% of light or non-users.
- 22% of heavy users think violence can be okay to achieve political goals, versus 8% of light or non-users.
- Among heavy users, 42% feel their views are respected by others, compared to 31% of non-users.
- The survey included 20,338 U.S. adults, with a margin of error of +/- 0.9 percentage points.
