Across the Globe, People Increasingly Say Social Media Is Harming Democracy
Most think social media leads to manipulation and division, but they also say it informs people and gives them a voice in politics.
Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World
Most think social media leads to manipulation and division, but they also say it informs people and gives them a voice in politics.
Amid a mix of concern and excitement about AI, a 37-country survey finds pessimism about its potential impact on jobs and economic inequality.
During Joe Biden’s presidency, as well as during Donald Trump’s first term, there was a much weaker relationship between views of the U.S. and confidence in its president.
A median of 55% across 37 countries hold a favorable view of the UN, though views in some countries have turned more negative in recent years.
In a random sample of 10,000 webpages collected in July 2026, one-in-ten show signs of being written or substantially edited by AI.
Canadians and Mexicans also now view Chinese President Xi Jinping more positively than Trump, even as relatively few people in both countries have confidence in the two leaders.
In 16 middle-income countries surveyed, many people are unsure how U.S. humanitarian aid cuts will affect them, though those with opinions lean negative.
U.S. foreign aid fell to its lowest inflation-adjusted level in over two decades in fiscal 2025, dropping to $47.3 billion — more than $24 billion less than the prior year.
Fossil fuels still dominate global electricity, but wind and solar are surging. In 2025, renewables outpaced coal worldwide for the first time, supplying 34% of electricity.
Views of China have improved recently while views of the U.S. have worsened, to the point where China is now seen more positively than the U.S. in most countries surveyed.
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