Question Social media and democracy
Now a question about the impact of social media on democracy. On balance, do you think social media has more of a positive or negative impact on democracy, or no impact at all?
This question was asked in 2025.
2025 observation
In a period that saw tech billionaire and X owner Elon Musk assume unprecedented powers in the Trump administration, and a ban on social media for children under 16 take effect in Australia, debates about the reach and impact of social media on society are only growing.
Seven in ten Australians (70%) think social media has a more negative than positive impact on democracy. One-fifth (21%) say it has a more positive impact, while only 8% say social media has no impact at all on democracy.