Tech Companies

The share of Americans who say they are very or somewhat concerned about government use of people’s data has increased from 64% in 2019 to 71% today. Two-thirds (67%) of adults say they understand little to nothing about what companies are doing with their personal data, up from 59%.

The U.S. public’s views of banks and other financial institutions, as well as large corporations, have become much more negative recently.

While 38% of U.S. adults say they have heard of Parler, just 1% of Americans regularly get news there.

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.

44% of Americans think major technology companies should be regulated more than they are now, down from 56% in April 2021.

Public views are tied to how these technologies would be used and what constraints would be in place.

Asked to "imagine a better world online," experts hope for a ubiquitous – even immersive – digital environment that promotes fact-based knowledge, offers better defense of individuals’ rights, empowers diverse voices and provides tools for technology breakthroughs and collaborations to solve the world’s wicked problems.

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

A majority of Americans (68%) believe major technology companies have too much power and influence in the economy.

41% of U.S. adults say people should be able to sue social media companies for content that other users post on these companies’ platforms.