Super scrollers sour on democracy: poll

The Charles F. Kettering Foundation and Gallup found that Americans spending five or more hours daily on social media are significantly less likely to view democracy as the best form of government—57% compared with 72-73% among non-users or light users. Heavy social media users are also more inclined to see facts as subjective and to accept political violence, with 22% saying it is sometimes acceptable versus 8% among minimal users. The survey of 20,338 adults conducted July-August 2025 reveals social media's role in eroding democratic support, even as heavy users paradoxically express greater belief that ordinary citizens can influence the country. The findings contrast with broader polling showing two-thirds of Americans still view democracy as the best system, suggesting a widening gap between heavy and light social media consumers on fundamental democratic values.