Articles tagged with Public Opinion
A systematic review reveals that social media has only partially fulfilled its promise to democratize climate change communication. Established actors continue to shape the discussion, while climate-change skeptics gain visibility. This undermines public debate on climate change.
A new survey finds that opposition to local data centers has risen sharply among US adults, with 61% opposing construction in their areas. Meanwhile, views on artificial intelligence remain stable, with 39% expressing concerns about its impact.
A new survey finds Orange County's governor race virtually tied, with the top issue being the cost of housing. The poll also reveals an increasing divide by generation and gender, yet an electorate converging on fixing housing costs. This leaves Democrats and Republicans scrambling to assemble winning coalitions.
A new study by Aston University researchers suggests that positive crowd reactions like applause and laughter can make controversial political messages more acceptable to viewers. The research found that mixed laughter and booing were particularly damaging to the message, reducing ratings compared to other conditions.
A University of Utah-led survey found that 69% of Salt Lake County residents are concerned about the Great Salt Lake's decline, with habitat loss and risks to human health ranking as top issues. Concern varies by social group, birthplace, and personal experiences.
A study by Boston College researchers found that scientific consensus is more influential than government opposition in persuading people to take action on environmental, health, and technology challenges. Americans are more likely to support policies and donate money when scientists and ordinary citizens endorse solutions.
A recent poll found that Orange County residents generally trust their local institutions, with 60% trusting the police department and 25% trusting the federal government. However, Independents express skepticism towards county government at just 32%, highlighting a concerning trend in the civic landscape.
Most Americans, even those who appreciate AI, want more regulation to ensure human interaction in medical, legal, and educational settings. The survey found a significant split in overall attitudes towards AI, with daily users feeling positively about the technology.
A study from Tokyo University of Science found that public preferences for immigrants shift towards high-income individuals when their participation in the welfare system is highlighted. The researchers also discovered a joint interaction between concerns about welfare systems and job security on attitudes toward immigration.
A new analysis of NFL draft data reveals that higher-drafted players do not perform significantly better than lower-drafted ones, especially those chosen in the same round. Researchers found a distinct advantage for teams trading down for draft picks compared to those trading up.
A new study by Colorado State University reveals that Latin America and southern Europe favor 'mutualism' while the US and Canada prioritize 'domination'. This divergence in views is linked to European colonization centuries ago. The research emphasizes the importance of considering cultural differences in wildlife management policies.
A new study found that over 80% of Europeans were unaware of the invasive freshwater jellyfish Craspedacusta sowerbii, with many incorrectly identifying it as a marine species. The species is perceived as an aesthetic curiosity rather than a direct physical threat.
A new survey finds that Americans are broadly pessimistic about the impact of artificial intelligence (AI), with only 17% believing it will have a positive impact on the United States over the next decade. Nearly two-thirds (65%) say the government has done too little to regulate AI, and there is bipartisan support for regulation.
Researchers propose a new approach to overcoming vaccine hesitancy by framing vaccines in terms of personal autonomy and freedom, which showed greater willingness among those with higher concerns. The study suggests that traditional universal approaches may not be effective for everyone, highlighting the importance of individual values.
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 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...
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.