78% of Americans believe that social media companies wield excessive political influence, according to Pew survey

In a rare moment of agreement across party lines, a recent survey by the Pew Research Center has revealed that a staggering 78% of American adults believe that social media companies hold too much power over politics. This sentiment is shared by 84% of Republicans and 74% of Democrats, indicating a growing concern among the population.

The survey also highlighted bipartisan efforts in Congress to address the issue of social media influence. Senators Marsha Blackburn and Richard Blumenthal have collaborated on the Kids Online Safety Act, aimed at holding social media platforms accountable for protecting children. However, some critics have raised concerns about the bill’s potential impact on adult privacy.

In another unexpected partnership, Senators Lindsey Graham and Elizabeth Warren have proposed a bill to create a commission overseeing big tech platforms. Graham humorously remarked, “The only thing worse than me doing a bill with Elizabeth Warren is her doing a bill with me.”

The survey results also shed light on differing views regarding tech companies’ political bias. While 71% of Republicans believe that big tech favors liberal perspectives, only 50% of Democrats think tech companies support both sides equally. The rise of conservative social platforms like Rumble, Parler, and Truth Social further reflects this divide.

Despite these differences, there is a growing consensus among Americans that tech companies need to be held accountable. With government agencies like the FTC and DOJ taking a closer look at tech giants for monopolistic practices, only 16% of adults believe that tech companies should be regulated less than they are now.

Overall, the survey underscores a shared frustration with the overwhelming influence of big tech in American politics, signaling a potential shift in how these companies are perceived and regulated in the future.