The Pew-Knight Initiative's latest research has revealed a stark reality: the majority of Americans believe that social media companies have too much power and influence in politics, while news organizations are seen as having too much influence by a smaller majority. This analysis delves into the perceptions of the American public regarding the role of social media companies and news organizations in U.S. politics.
A recent Pew Research Center survey, conducted from June 22 to 28, 2026, found that 69% of Americans believe social media companies have too much power and influence in politics today. This sentiment is shared across party lines, with roughly equal shares of Republicans (71%) and Democrats (69%) expressing this view. However, when it comes to news organizations, the divide is more pronounced. While a majority of Republicans (69%) also believe U.S. news organizations have too much power, only 43% of Democrats share this view.
The findings suggest that Americans are increasingly aware of the immense influence social media companies wield in shaping public opinion and influencing political discourse. This perception is corroborated by the fact that most Americans who regularly get news on Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok believe that each platform influences the news stories they see at least somewhat.
Conversely, the research reveals a widespread sense that journalists' influence in society is declining. A 2025 Center survey found that nearly half of Americans (49%) believe journalists are losing influence in society, while only 15% think they are gaining influence.
The Pew-Knight Initiative's analysis builds on past research, examining social media companies and news organizations side by side. The study surveyed 3,488 U.S. adults, representing the views of the full U.S. adult population.
The results show that Republicans and Democrats largely agree that social media companies have too much political power. However, their views on news organizations' influence diverge, with Republicans more likely to perceive news organizations as having too much power.
The research also highlights the stark differences in trust levels between Republicans and Democrats. Around six-in-ten Republicans (63%) and Democrats (60%) have little or no trust in information from social media platforms.
This analysis is part of a larger Pew-Knight Initiative study on the state of press freedom in the United States. The findings provide a crucial insight into the perceptions of the American public regarding the role of social media companies and news organizations in U.S. politics.
Written by: Clark Fader | The Citizen Edition
“The power is mine.”