Americans across the political spectrum are increasingly concerned about the power wielded by social media companies. According to a survey conducted by the Pew Research Center, a staggering 78% of American adults believe that these companies have too much influence on politics. This sentiment is shared by both Republicans and Democrats, with 84% of Republicans and 74% of Democrats expressing their concerns.
The survey reveals that this viewpoint has become even more prevalent since the last presidential election year, indicating a growing dissatisfaction with the influence of social media platforms. It’s not just the general public who feel this way; lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are also taking notice and pushing for regulations to hold these companies accountable.
Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) have put forward the Kids Online Safety Act, which seeks to impose a duty of care on social media platforms to ensure the safety of children. However, some privacy advocates have criticized the bill, arguing that it could potentially compromise adults’ privacy and make them more vulnerable to government surveillance.
In an unusual display of bipartisanship, Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) have teamed up to propose a bill that would establish a commission to oversee big tech platforms. Graham humorously remarked that the only thing worse than him working with Warren on a bill is Warren working with him.
The events of recent years have only served to reinforce Americans’ concerns about the power of tech companies. The storming of the Capitol in 2020, which was largely organized through social media platforms, led to the banning of a sitting president from those platforms. This incident raised questions about the responsibility and influence of social media companies in shaping political discourse.
Furthermore, the U.S. government has expressed apprehension about the influence of Chinese-owned TikTok. In response, President Biden signed a bill that could potentially ban the app altogether. These developments have underscored the need for stricter regulations and oversight of tech companies.
While there is bipartisan agreement on the issue of social media companies’ power, there are divergent views when it comes to perceived bias. A majority of Republicans (71%) believe that big tech platforms favor liberal perspectives over conservative ones. In contrast, 50% of Democrats believe that these companies treat all viewpoints equally. Only 15% of adults overall believe that tech companies support conservatives over liberals.
These survey results align with the rise of explicitly conservative social platforms like Rumble, Parler, and former President Trump’s Truth Social app. These platforms have emerged as alternatives for users who feel marginalized or silenced on mainstream social media platforms.
The Biden administration has taken a more aggressive stance towards tech companies, with government agencies such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) intensifying their scrutiny. Major lawsuits alleging monopolistic behaviors have been filed against tech giants like Amazon, Apple, and Meta (formerly Facebook).
Interestingly, despite the increased scrutiny and legal action, the survey reveals that only 16% of U.S. adults believe that tech companies should be regulated less than they currently are. This percentage has actually increased since 2021 when Pew found that only 9% held this view. It suggests that Americans are increasingly in favor of stronger regulations to curb the power of tech companies.
While liberals and conservatives may not see eye to eye on every aspect of tech policy, the overarching sentiment from this survey is clear: Americans are weary of the outsized influence exerted by big tech. As public opinion continues to shift, it remains to be seen how lawmakers will address these concerns and ensure that social media companies are held accountable for their impact on politics and society at large.