Public Opinion
Articles tagged with Public Opinion
“Silent” invasion of a widespread freshwater jellyfish across Europe
Many Americans pessimistic about AI’s impact – and want more regulation
New study suggests ‘freedom framing’ more effective than mandates for vaccine-hesitant Americans
The Frontiers of Knowledge Award goes to the ISR (University of Michigan) and NORC at the University of Chicago, as global leaders in social science based on reliable data at the service of the public interest
The BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Award recognizes the Institute for Social Research (ISR) at the University of Michigan and NORC at the University of Chicago for their work in developing reliable data series on social sciences. The award acknowledges their contributions to objective measurement of public opinion, survey metho...
Impact of China’s “wolf warrior diplomacy” on public opinion in East Asia
Researchers found that exposure to aggressive diplomatic messaging reduces favorability towards China in Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. In contrast, perceptions of the US are less affected, with limited persuasive power.
Orange County residents take pragmatic view on immigration
Orange County residents hold broadly positive but carefully qualified views on immigration, recognizing its benefits while drawing distinctions around enforcement. The UCI-OC Poll found that Orange County residents are pragmatic about immigration, supporting targeted enforcement against human trafficking and limiting immigration from u...
Scientists esteemed by public, with vaccine scientists seen as similar to scientists in general
A nationally representative survey found that nearly 7 in 10 people trust vaccine scientists to act in their best interests, similar to medical scientists and scientists in general. The public perceives vaccine scientists as credible, self-correcting, and unbiased, with their work benefiting society.
Americans back NATO; Republicans split along Trump-party lines
A majority of Americans value U.S. membership in NATO and consider it a meaningful security asset, but views are sharply divided along partisan lines. Democrats are more supportive of NATO than Republicans, who hold less favorable views on the alliance's benefits to U.S. security.
Normative messaging bridges the partisan gap in pandemic risk-taking, study shows
Research shows that targeted interventions highlighting personal impact on others can alter behavior among partisans. Both Republican and Democratic voters reduced risk-taking when presented with a simple message asking to choose the safer option for themselves and others.
Victims’ background shapes perceptions of police violence
A recent study reveals that individuals with an immigrant background tend to assess police violence as less severe, regardless of new evidence. Respondents on the political right continued to exhibit a strong bias, rating police violence lower against those with immigrant backgrounds, even after clear evidence was presented.
Gen Z holds companies to account for greenwashing
Members of Gen Z actively observe, evaluate and judge companies' environmental behavior, valuing commitment and credibility. They are more critical and demanding than previous generations, with varying perceptions across countries and genders.
Apocalyptic beliefs are no longer fringe—and they’re shaping how people respond to global threats
A new study reveals that apocalyptic thinking is no longer fringe and significantly influences how people interpret and respond to global threats. Beliefs about the end of the world are diverse and predict how individuals perceive and react to risks like climate change, pandemics, and emerging technologies.
AI may boost productivity — but it can hurt a creator’s reputation, new research finds
A recent study reveals that creators who disclose using AI face negative judgments from others, despite their reputation. This gap between technological capability and social perception highlights the need for creators to manage perceptions surrounding how their work was created.
How many times will we fall passionately in love? New Kinsey Institute study offers first-ever answer
A new study from the Kinsey Institute found that passionate love is relatively infrequent, occurring about twice in a lifetime. The research surveyed 10,036 single adults aged 18 to 99 and found that 14% had never experienced passionate love, while 28% experienced it once.
Political division in the US surged from 2008 onwards, study suggests
A study by the University of Cambridge found that US political divisions increased by 64% from 1988 to 2024, with most of the change coming after 2008. The shift was driven by liberal Americans moving in a more progressive direction on social and political issues.
Landmark FAU/CSU study: More paid time off keeps US workers from quitting
A landmark study by FAU and CSU found that offering six to 10 paid days off significantly lowers resignations, especially for men. Providing 11 or more days reduces quitting rates substantially for both men and women, highlighting the importance of meaningful time away from work.
News language and social networks: how do they affect the spread of immigration attitudes?
Researchers found that people living in areas connected to those most affected by the AP's ban on labeling people held less restrictive immigration policy preferences. Media language plays a significant role in shaping political attitudes and can extend to individuals' social networks.
Why we talk to people who think differently – or why we don’t
A recent study published in Political Psychology explored the willingness of people to engage in discussions with others who hold different opinions. The researchers developed a measuring tool called WEDO to assess this willingness and found that open-minded individuals tend to think analytically and are more willing to engage in dialo...
Greater risk that the political right falls for conspiracy theories
A study by Linköping University found that right-leaning people are more susceptible to conspiracy theories and misinformation, while those on the left are less affected. The researchers suggest exposure, psychological factors, and anti-democratic values may contribute to this phenomenon.
Reciprocity matters--people were more supportive of climate policies in their country if they believed other countries were making significant efforts themselves
A survey of 4,000 Chinese, Indian, Japanese, and US citizens found that people were more supportive of climate policies in their own country if they believed other countries were also taking action. The study's findings suggest that reciprocity plays a significant role in shaping public opinions on climate policy.
AI innovation missing the mark for local communities
A new report by the University of Warwick finds that artificial intelligence is being developed primarily for efficiency and service improvements, rather than benefits for local communities. The report calls for greater public participation in AI policy design to ensure technologies deliver tangible benefits where they are needed most.
How AI can rig polls
A new study reveals AI can corrupt public opinion surveys at scale, passing quality checks and flipping predicted outcomes with fake responses. The findings have significant implications for scientific research and policy-making, highlighting the need for transparency and verification of human participation.
Between solstices and equinoxes
A Portuguese theatre company collaborated with doctors and patients to develop a play about bipolar disorder, which was performed in front of an audience of over 300 people. The play's emotional engagement helped facilitate the assimilation of scientific information and contributed to reducing stigma surrounding mental illness.
APA poll reveals a nation suffering from stress of societal division, loneliness
A majority of U.S. adults report feeling isolated and stressed due to societal division, with nearly seven in 10 saying they need more emotional support. The survey found that loneliness can have real consequences for stress management and health, highlighting the importance of connection and social support.
Is experiencing extreme weather events linked to climate action?
A recent study found that people who attribute extreme weather events to climate change are more likely to support climate regulations. The study analyzed data from 68 countries and found significant differences in public support depending on the type of climate action. Protecting forested and land areas was a popular policy option, su...
Broad support amongst U.K. public for additional regulation of advertisments for high-carbon products and services
A UK study found broad support for regulating advertisements for high-carbon products and services, with citizens' jury and large poll results indicating a strong public mandate. The findings suggest policymakers should consider stricter regulations to address climate change concerns.
Research shows there are no easy fixes to political hatred
A massive meta-analysis of 25 previous studies found that efforts to reduce partisan animosity are largely ineffective, with superficial interventions improving feelings towards the other party by only 5.3%. The effects are fleeting, disappearing within one week, and even repeated interventions fail to produce lasting results.
Public perception of physicians who use AI
A study on public perception of physicians who use AI found that while effects are relatively small, they may be highly relevant due to the close link between trust in healthcare practitioners and subjective treatment outcomes. The integration of AI in healthcare has sparked certain reservations among the public.
In a competitive world, mean leaders look smart
Research suggests that individuals who view the world as a competitive jungle are more likely to admire antagonistic leaders, praising their competence. In contrast, those who see the social world as cooperative and benign may call such leaders clueless. A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that p...
Opinions within inner circles influence perception of social division
A new study published in PNAS Nexus explores how opinions within inner circles influence the perception of social division. The researchers found that consensus within one's circle can exaggerate perceptions of polarization, and that subjective lenses change over time, influencing how individuals perceive societal polarization.
COVID-19 pandemic significantly eroded American public’s trust in US public health institutions like the CDC, shows longitudinal assessment from 2020-2024
A longitudinal study found that the COVID-19 pandemic significantly decreased US adults' confidence in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), while increasing trust in personal doctors and local health departments. Confidence in these institutions dropped by 26% between 2020 and 2024.
Poll: Amid multi-state measles outbreak, 79% of Americans support routine childhood vaccine requirements
A new poll by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and the de Beaumont Foundation found that most U.S. adults (79%) support routine childhood vaccine requirements to attend school, including a majority across party lines. The vast majority of parents and adults believe vaccines are safe for most children.
Public attitudes around solar geoengineering become less politically partisan with more familiarity
Increased public awareness of solar geoengineering may lead to bipartisan engagement in US politics. The study found that Americans' views on the technology became more moderate as they gained knowledge about its effects and mechanisms.
Research spotlight: Study provides a window into public perceptions about technological treatment options for brain conditions
A survey of over 1,000 US adults examined perceptions of four neurotechnologies: deep brain stimulation, MRI-guided focused ultrasound, transcranial magnetic stimulation, and pills. Pills were rated as the most beneficial, acceptable, and likely to be used, while DBS was seen as the second most beneficial but also the riskiest.
Study explores how to use AI to listen to the ‘heartbeat’ of a city
University of Missouri researchers create digital sentiment map using AI to analyze public Instagram posts, linking emotional tone to real-life features. The tool aims to improve city services, identify areas of concern, and inform emergency response decisions.
More than half of US workers say job insecurity causing stress
More than half of US workers report significant stress due to job insecurity, with 54% saying it impacts their work life. Government policy changes and economic concerns exacerbate workplace stress, affecting employees' mental health and overall well-being.
Researchers from Incheon National University unpack audience costs in us allies’ foreign policy choices
A study by Incheon National University researchers reveals how audience costs impact US allies' foreign policy decisions, with prevailing pro-US sentiment enhancing credibility of alignment commitments. The study found that citizens who lean towards China tolerate or even reward alignment reversals.
Meow mix-up: New study reveals Israeli attitudes on stray cats
A nationwide study in Israel found that nearly a third of respondents regularly feed stray cats, despite a large majority supporting reducing their numbers. Researchers propose involving frequent cat feeders in monitoring and control efforts to improve policy effectiveness.
Poll: Many Americans say they will lose trust in public health recommendations under federal leadership changes
A new poll by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and the de Beaumont Foundation finds that many Americans anticipate losing trust in public health recommendations with changes in health agency leadership. Despite stark divisions, there is bipartisan support for several key health priorities.
Bridging political debates: the power of factual knowledge
A study finds that engaging with balanced facts on gun control leads to more moderate policy views, even a month later. The research challenges the idea that people become entrenched in their views due to information, suggesting that accurate information can promote a healthier discourse and depolarize individuals.
Study: Wording matters in parental support for adolescent medical services
Researchers found a significant difference in parental support for adolescent consent when the question was framed using "Mature Minor Doctrine" versus describing specific scenarios. The study suggests that clear and detailed information can greatly impact parents' opinions on these issues.
In US, saving money is top reason to embrace solar power
A new study found that financial benefits, such as saving on utility payments and avoiding electricity rate hikes, are a key driver of US adults' willingness to consider installing rooftop or subscribing to community solar power. The study also revealed that most participants didn't understand what community solar is and had not looked...
Soaring insurance costs top concern for Floridians, FAU survey finds
A recent FAU survey found that most Floridians are concerned about rising insurance premiums due to climate change, with nearly two-thirds worried about affordability. The survey also reveals strong support for addressing climate change, expanding renewable energy, and teaching climate science in schools.
How the media write about transgender people
A new thesis by Carin Leibring Svedjedal examines the language used in opinion pieces on trans-related issues, revealing a polarized debate that highlights alarmist examples and concerns about inclusiveness. The study also explores how transgender people use language to shape their identity and encounter difficulties in their environment.
Scholars disprove existence of ‘crisis of trust’ in science
A large-scale survey of 71,000 people across 68 countries found that most respondents consider scientists competent, honest, and caring about the common good. However, less than half were confident that scientists consider public opinion in their work, highlighting the need for increased engagement in public education.
New AI tool makes sense of public opinion data in minutes, not months
The Deep Computational Text Analyser (DECOTA) is an open-access AI tool that transforms open-ended survey responses into clear themes in minutes, not months. Developed by the University of Bath, DECOTA delivers insights around 380 times faster and over 1,900 times cheaper than human analysis.
Study assesses U.S. image amid weakening of democracy
A study found that respondents who received information about democratic backsliding in the US had a less favorable view, but policy support remained unchanged. The research team also discovered that an economic downturn did not influence global public opinion, highlighting the complexities of soft power and US foreign policy.
UK public pick most important discoveries of all time
The UK public considers the mobile phone the second most important invention of all time, with 52% viewing it as indispensable. Meanwhile, the wheel tops the list at 31%, ahead of electricity and penicillin.
Do authoritarian narratives shape Japanese public opinion?
A new study reveals Japanese citizens broadly susceptible to illiberal narratives, posing risks to Japan's political discourse. The research found that illiberal narratives exert a stronger influence than mainstream democratic messaging.
Pleasing 'angry citizen' with citizen budgets and referendums works
A recent study by Rosa Kindt found that participatory budgets and referendums can increase trust in democracy among citizens, particularly those with populist views. Right-wing populists who participated in these initiatives reported a positive experience, appreciating the opportunity to share their opinions with other citizens.
New study challenges the ‘monogamy-superiority myth’, as non-monogamous people report just as happy relationships and sex lives
A comprehensive meta-analysis of 35 studies involving 24,489 people across the U.S. and Europe found no significant differences in relationship or sexual satisfaction levels between individuals in monogamous and non-monogamous relationships. Non-monogamy is often viewed as inferior to monogamy due to stereotypes and media narratives.
From economic struggles to culture wars: New study reveals how GDP influences polarization around the globe
A new study from City St George's University of London found that lower-income countries focus on material concerns like economic issues, while richer nations debate personal freedoms and identity-related issues. The research analyzed 40 years of global data to explore how modernization influences ideological divides.
Prejudice against victims can result in reduced rape sentences
A study by Norwegian University of Science and Technology found that defendants receive lighter sentences when victims are described with rape myths, such as 'scantily clad' or 'being promiscuous'. This correlation holds true even with medical evidence and violence involved. The researchers aim to raise awareness about the use of exper...
Adults don’t trust health care to use AI responsibly and without harm
A study reveals that 65.8% of adults have low trust in their healthcare system's use of artificial intelligence, and 57.7% fear AI-related harm. Hospitals should increase or improve their communications with patients about AI tools to build trust.
Majority support moderation on social media platforms
A global survey of 13,500 people in six European countries and the USA reveals that a majority want harmful social media content restricted. The study highlights differences among countries, with some nations supporting stricter regulations than others.
Study finds most Americans oppose detaining sick undocumented immigrants but support post-treatment detention
A study by Texas A&M University found that most people in the US are not in favor of detaining sick undocumented immigrants who reach interior border checkpoints. However, they do support detention after medical treatment is complete. The survey also found broad public support for expanding existing policies to allow undocumented indiv...
New data shows how ‘rage giving’ boosted immigrant-serving nonprofits during the first Trump Administration
Financial contributions to immigrant-serving legal aid nonprofits increased by 4-11 percentage points during the 2016 election and 8-17 percentage points through 2019. This surge in funding helped these organizations adapt to anti-immigrant policies and position themselves as important safeguards for immigrant communities.
Countering the next phase of antivaccine activism
Peter Hotez proposes a focus on local data, improved benefit-risk communications, and state-level action to counter US antivaccine sentiment. Childhood vaccinations are becoming increasingly politicized, with multiple preventable illnesses emerging, including whooping cough and measles.
Media coverage of civilian casualties in allied countries boosts support for U.S. involvement
A new study finds that media coverage of civilian casualties increases public support for U.S. involvement in conflicts when the victims are from allied countries, evoking empathy and a sense of democratic justification. However, this effect is absent when civilians from non-allied nations are affected.