46% of U.S. social media users say they are ‘worn out’ by political posts and discussions
Well before the 2020 election, many U.S. social media users are already exhausted by how many political posts they see on these platforms.
Americans say the nation’s political debate has grown more toxic and ‘heated’ rhetoric could lead to violence
Many Americans say the tone and nature of political debate in the United States has become more negative in recent years.
How often people talk about race with family and friends depends on racial and ethnic group, education, politics
Most black and Asian adults say race or race relations come up in their conversations with family and friends at least sometimes.
Partisans say respect and compromise are important in politics – particularly from their opponents
Republicans and Democrats set higher standards for politicians in the other party than in their own when it comes to respect and compromise.
Public Highly Critical of State of Political Discourse in the U.S.
Majorities of Americans say the tone of political debate in the country has become more negative, less respectful, less fact-based and less substantive in recent years.
Most say their family is OK with discussing politics – but it helps if the family agrees
Many Americans say their family is OK with talking about politics when they gather, and a majority has at least some common ground politically with family.
14% of Americans have changed their mind about an issue because of something they saw on social media
A small share of the public – 14% – say they have changed their views about a political or social issue in the past year because of something they saw on social media.
‘Anger’ topped ‘love’ when Facebook users reacted to lawmakers’ posts after 2016 election
The U.S. congressional Facebook audience used the “angry” button in response to lawmakers’ posts nearly 14 million times following the 2016 election.
Taking Sides on Facebook: How Congressional Outreach Changed Under President Trump
Democratic legislators’ opposition to political adversaries on Facebook spiked after Trump’s election, while "angry" reactions to posts by members of Congress increased among followers.
Few Americans see nation’s political debate as ‘respectful’
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.
