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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJan 8, 2025
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.
The survey found that more than half of Americans have used generative AI services, with concerns about misinformation and manipulation dominating public attitudes. Despite these concerns, the study highlights opportunities for growth and development as AI continues to evolve.
A survey by FECYT found that 51.05% of researchers who communicate science in Spain faced attacks, with women being more likely to experience them. The main types of attacks were insults, comments about their professional capacity, and opinions on their integrity.
Two studies found that readers perceive a lower level of credibility in news produced with AI assistance, regardless of whether they understand the extent of AI's involvement. Readers attribute human contributions more value than AI-driven content.
A study by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that online health care reviews on Yelp have not fully recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic. The analysis shows a significant decline in positive reviews, particularly among rural facilities and those serving areas with higher proportions of Black or Hisp...
A recent survey found that Tennesseans value higher education, with 45% considering it very important for young people to succeed. The survey also showed that different generations and demographics have varying views on the roles of colleges and universities.
A recent survey found that 89% of Trump voters believe their country's values and prosperity are under threat, double the number of Kamala Harris supporters. This sense of threat resonated with many voters, who felt that a victory by the opposing candidate would be dangerous for America.
The book uses a 'history from below' approach to center the voices of petitioners, revealing how they framed their demands using language like justice, rights, and equity. Through over 4,000 petitions, Dr. Bright Alozie shows the significance of this genre in shaping colonial society and influencing decision-making.
A new study reveals gentrification's complex impact on residential communities in Seoul, Korea, finding that state-led urban change can lead to emotional displacement of residents. Meanwhile, property-led redevelopment has resulted in direct displacement and replacement of industrial clusters with high-rise residential construction.
A recent Maryland poll found Angela Alsobrooks (D) leading Larry Hogan (R) in the U.S. Senate race and a strong majority supporting an amendment to guarantee reproductive freedom. The poll also shows Kamala Harris (D) holding a significant lead over Donald Trump (R), with abortion services ranking as a top issue for voters.
A new study reveals that magicians are willing to share their own trick techniques, but not those invented by others or deceased individuals. They believe it's acceptable to reveal secrets for good causes, such as enhancing wellbeing or scientific research, and that mass online tutorials have reduced the need for traditional secrecy.
Researchers found that verified users with entrenched opinions can trigger echo chambers, while centrist ideologues may actually facilitate consensus. The study used a computational model to simulate how people post and receive messages on social media platforms.
A new study from the University of Illinois looks at how wetlands are portrayed in film, suggesting they play specific roles in story development and reflect society's attitudes towards these ecosystems. The research team analyzed 163 films and found that wetlands were often depicted as perilous pathways and psychological barriers, but...
A new study by economists at the University of Zurich finds that engaging in public discourse increases socially responsible market behavior regardless of participants' social norms and values. The researchers conducted three lab experiments with over 2,500 participants and observed a significant increase in trade with fair products wh...
Researchers at UBC Okanagan challenge assumptions about the validity and suitability of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) for public health. They argue that evidence-based findings show HIIT is enjoyable and effective for a wide range of populations, despite critics' claims.
A new study finds that 'litigant shopping' – choosing plaintiffs with specific demographic attributes – can influence public perception of the US Supreme Court. The research suggests that attorneys or political interests should carefully consider identity politics when selecting counter-stereotypical litigants to ensure desired outcomes.
A study by Texas A&M University found that Americans want their state governments to reduce Medicaid's administrative burden, allowing more people to enroll. The survey, which assessed burden tolerance during the pandemic, showed broad support for burden reduction, with bipartisan agreement on the need for easier enrollment processes.
A new UBC study reveals regular seasonal shifts in people's moral values, with stronger endorsement of group cohesion and conformity in spring and fall. This finding has potential implications for politics, law, and health, including the timing of elections and court cases, as well as public response to a health crisis.
Research found social media polls to be biased in terms of content, authorship, and audience. The polls' accuracy is further compromised by the use of bot farms and astroturfing campaigns to manipulate results.
A recent study by the Universities of Bath and Essex reveals that a vast majority of American voters share fundamental values, with only 5% of extreme voters holding differing views. The researchers suggest that highlighting similarities between Republicans and Democrats can increase hope about the future and inspire trust.
A majority of Americans say four key pandemic policies were 'generally a good idea' in retrospect, including mask requirements, healthcare worker vaccination, indoor dining closures, and K-12 school closures. Views on these policies vary across subgroups, with Democrats and urban residents more likely to support them.
A study by Technical University of Munich found that Russian social media campaigns had a limited impact on the European public, with most people believing the disinformation being spread. The decisive factor in efficacy was whether a person is fundamentally receptive to conspiracy narratives.
A recent study by Oregon State University found that US adults are fairly confident in linking wildfires and heat to climate change, but less so for hurricanes, flooding, or tornadoes. The survey also revealed significant differences in responses based on politics, personal experience, and demographics.
A majority of the American public favors providing incarcerated pregnant women with access to abortion, particularly in cases of rape or health risk. Most also support parental aid for these women, with conservative Republicans being least supportive of both
A study conducted by the University of Zurich found that interventions against misinformation also breed distrust in fact-based news sources. The researchers tested three corrective strategies and found that they foster a broader sense of doubt among the public, even toward legitimate information.
A study of over 24,000 people found that mixed social networks with diverse friends improve social cohesion and personal well-being. People with heterogeneous friend groups reported higher levels of social cohesion within their neighborhoods, closely associated with increased life satisfaction.
According to MSU research, linguistically simple headlines engage readers more than complex ones. The study found that simplicity impacts how often people click on stories, leading to increased demand for good journalism. By writing simply, news organizations can make their content more approachable and accessible to a wider audience.
A new study by University of California - Berkeley Haas School of Business researchers suggests that most political debates occur among family and friends, rather than with strangers on social media. Participants reported positive emotions after discussions, even on divisive topics.
A global experiment involving 50,000 participants across 60 countries reveals that liberals and conservatives take action to address climate change at roughly the same levels. The study found that interventions aimed at increasing pro-environmental behaviors can be effective in spurring action among both groups.
Researchers analyzed 183 million Parler posts and 702 million Twitter posts to find that users gravitate toward popular opinion and away from dissenting views, leading to polarization. The study highlights the importance of balancing social media's benefits with mitigating its drawbacks.
A new study by University of Surrey students reveals that viewing expert testimony during the high-profile trial led to highly prejudicial views of both parties' mental health difficulties. The research found these views were considerably more negative than their initial attitudes towards mental illness.
Researchers found that politicians' affiliative smiles increased happiness and affinity in supporters, while reward smiles had a limited effect. The study highlights the importance of non-verbal cues in politics.
A study of 175 national and elite female athletes found that opinions on transgender athlete eligibility differ according to sport and level of competition. The majority (58%) support biological sex categorization, while a large majority (81%) believe sporting bodies should improve inclusivity for transgender athletes.
A new study from Ohio State University reveals that Republicans who support childhood vaccine mandates tend to be less outspoken due to the false consensus effect and fear of online conflict. The study found that these individuals are more likely to believe their views are in the minority, leading them to self-censor on social media.
Researchers at Lehigh University found that reading a personal history of an opposing party member can significantly reduce animosity towards members of the opposing party. The study tested interventions with both Democrats and Republicans, finding that historicist narratives can lead to increased compassion and reduced moral emotions.
A study by Dr Francesco Rigoli found that right-wing supporters tend to evaluate the past as more positive than left-wingers, while left-wingers are more optimistic about the future. This effect is observed across various countries, including the USA, UK, Italy, South Africa, Mexico, and Poland.
A study by Osaka University researchers found that Japanese liberals are more sensitive to collective ownership threats than conservatives. The study suggests that this sensitivity may deter countries from engaging in activities that infringe on the territorial integrity of others.
A new study conducted by Dr. Ofek Riemer finds that Jewish Israeli citizens experience decreased levels of security after exposure to the new defensive-oriented foreign policy approach, highlighting the importance of understanding the link between foreign policy and citizens' sense of security.
A new NYU Tandon study found that high-profile incidents of police brutality have a significant impact on public perceptions, influencing negative sentiment and distrust towards police across cities. In contrast, local media coverage of crimes in people's own cities has little sway over their views of the police.
A new study shows widespread European backing for Ukraine, with solid supporters in Germany, France, and Spain, and staunch supporters in the UK, Eastern European nations, Finland, and Sweden. However, opinions are mixed on NATO's approach and Ukraine's membership, reflecting differing perceptions of involvement in the Russia-Ukraine c...
A new study on public attitudes toward abortion laws found that those with better understanding of pregnancy are more opposed to legislation restricting access to abortions. The researchers also discovered that laws limiting access to abortion after 12 weeks did not garner greater support than those limiting it after six weeks.
New research from Aalto University reveals how disinformation and conspiracy theories persist despite external threats, bridging partisan divides only when shared democratic norms are condemned. The study found that social bubbles built on disinformation can be difficult to break, even in the face of dramatic events.
A new study on the role of polls in South Korea highlights the limitations of polling in a democratic society. The research finds that technology, methodology, intentions, and reporting can affect poll results, leading to a social construction of public opinion influenced by pollsters and media.
Researchers found that social media influencers with distorted messages cause political parties to moderate their policies to win over independent voters. However, this leads to traditional media outlets becoming more extreme in their editorial positions, and citizens swayed by influencers growing more polarized.
Virginia Tech researchers analyzed partisan media sentiment toward AI and found that liberal-leaning media tend to have a more negative tone than conservative media. The study suggests that this opposition can be attributed to concerns over AI amplifying existing social biases, such as racial and income disparities.
Research reveals that individuals with heightened pain sensitivity are more likely to endorse values common to people of their opposite political persuasion. This includes stronger support for politicians from the other party and increased sympathy for opposing viewpoints.