Free Speech & Press

Most Americans say the U.S. government and technology companies should each take steps to restrict false information and extremely violent content online.

60% of Americans think business owners should not have to provide services if it might signal support for beliefs on LGBT issues that they oppose.

57% of U.S. journalists surveyed say they are extremely or very concerned about potential restrictions on press freedoms in the country.

In recent years, several new options have emerged in the social media universe, many of which explicitly present themselves as alternatives to more established social media platforms. Free speech ideals and heated political themes prevail on these sites, which draw praise from their users and skepticism from other Americans.

A majority of teens say a welcoming, safe online environment is more important than people being able to speak their minds freely online.

A survey of U.S.-based journalists finds 77% would choose their career all over again, though 57% are highly concerned about future restrictions on press freedom.

61% of U.S. adults say they have heard at least a fair amount about the phrase “cancel culture,” up from 44% in September 2020.

65% of Americans say that people being too easily offended is a major problem; 53% say the same about people saying offensive things to others.

Pew Research Center’s political typology sorts Americans into cohesive, like-minded groups based on their values, beliefs, and views about politics and the political system. Use this tool to compare the groups on some key topics and their demographics.

48% of US adults say the government should restrict false information online, even if it means losing some freedom to access/publish content.