TUM Think Tank
Where today's societal challenges meet tomorrow's technological excellence.
Majority in favor of moderation on social media platforms
Most people support restrictions on problematic content, such as threats of violence or defamation, on social media. This holds true even in the United States, where several platforms have recently shifted toward a more unrestricted approach to free expression. However, the majority of users believe that intolerance and hatred on social media are now inevitable.
These findings come from a large-scale survey conducted by the Content Moderation Lab at the TUM Think Tank (a collaboration between the Technical University of Munich and the University of Oxford) across ten countries in Europe, America, Africa, and Australia. The study also highlights significant differences in attitudes between countries.
Content moderation takes center stage
The global debate over whether and how social media content should be regulated has intensified in recent months. Platform operators like X and Meta have relaxed their rules against discriminatory comments, citing freedom of expression. Meanwhile, Australia has taken a stricter approach, banning social media access for children and teenagers under 16.
Despite the growing discussion, most debates and research on this issue focus on the perspectives of companies, politicians, and the media, while the opinions of users remain largely unexplored. To address this gap, a research team from TUM and the University of Oxford conducted a large-scale survey in the fall of 2024. They gathered responses from approximately 13,500 people across six European countries, the USA, Brazil, South Africa, and Australia. This representative study examined public attitudes toward the balance between free expression, protection from digital violence, and misinformation.
Security over unrestricted free expression
A strong majority (79%) support deleting incitement to violence, with approval highest in Germany, Brazil, and Slovakia (86%). In the U.S., support is lower but still significant at 63%. Only 14% believe threats should remain online for counter-speech. When asked about offensive posts targeting specific groups, just 17% think they should be allowed as criticism. Support is highest in the U.S. (29%) and lowest in Brazil (9%), with Germany at 15%. Finally, respondents positioned their ideal between two extremes: unrestricted free speech or a platform free of hate and misinformation. Across all countries, the majority leaned toward safety from digital violence and misinformation.
Who should ensure safety on social media?
Opinions differ on who should be primarily responsible for maintaining a safe online environment. Across all countries surveyed, 35% believe platform operators should take the lead, 31% place the responsibility on citizens, and 30% on governments. Support for platform responsibility is relatively consistent, ranging from 39% in Germany, the UK, and Brazil to 29% in France, South Africa, and Greece. However, views on government responsibility vary more significantly—while 37% in Germany and France agree, only 14% in Slovakia do. The belief that individuals should take primary responsibility is strongest in Sweden (39%) and weakest in Germany (17%).
Widespread resignation: many expect aggressive comments
Is regulating platforms even worthwhile? A majority (59%) believe exposure to rudeness, intolerance, and hatred on social media is inevitable, while 65% expect aggressive responses when sharing their opinions. This expectation is particularly high in South Africa (81%) and the U.S. (73%).
“We are seeing widespread resignation,” says Yannis Theocharis. “People feel that despite promises to combat harmful content, nothing is improving. This habituation effect is dangerous—it erodes social norms and normalizes hatred and violence.”
Still, most respondents believe social media can foster civilized discussions. Only 20% think rudeness is sometimes necessary to make a point.
TL;DR
Most people support restricting harmful content on social media, even in countries leaning toward unrestricted free speech. However, many believe online intolerance and hatred are unavoidable. A global survey by the Content Moderation Lab at the TUM Think Tank and the University of Oxford reveals varying attitudes across ten countries.