Trust, Facts & Democracy

The politically aware, digitally savvy and those more trusting of the news media fare better in differentiating factual statements from opinions.

Read a Q&A with Amy Mitchell, director of journalism research at Pew Research Center, on a new report that explores Americans' ability to distinguish factual news statements from opinions.

In seven Western European countries surveyed, the top main source for news is a public news organization – such as the BBC in the UK, Sveriges Television/Radio (SVT/Radio) in Sweden or ARD in Germany – rather than a private one.

The majority of Europe’s Christians are non-practicing, but they differ from religiously unaffiliated people in their views on God, attitudes toward Muslims and immigrants, and opinions about religion’s role in society.

Explore where users of news outlets in eight Western European countries place these outlets on a left-right spectrum, based on their perception of their ideological leanings.

Across eight Western European countries, people with populist leanings have more negative attitudes about the news media than do those with non-populist views.

Most Americans have negative views of the tone of political debate in their country. And a sizable majority says personal insults are “never fair game” in politics.

How do Americans feel about their own democracy? Read key findings from our recent report on Americans' views of democracy in America.

Pew Research Center is redoubling its focus on the role of information and trust in democratic societies.