Social Media, Politics & Generation Z: A Cross-National Study 📊🌍

Social Media, Politics & Generation Z: A Cross-National Study 📊🌍

This anonymous survey explores how social media and platform algorithms shape political views among young people in the US and Germany. It takes approximately 7–8 minutes to complete. All responses are confidential and used solely for academic research. By proceeding, you confirm that you are aged 18–27, live in, have lived in, or have spent time in the US or Germany, and consent to your anonymous responses being used for academic research.
Demographics
Age*
United StatesGermanyOther - please do not continue
MaleFemaleNon-binary or gender non-conformingPrefer not to say
High schoolSome university or collegeBachelor's degreeGraduate degree or higherCurrently enrolled in university
Full-time studentPart-time studentWorking full-timeWorking part-timeNot currently studying or working
Social Media & Political Content Usage
InstagramTikTokYouTubeX (formerly Twitter)FacebookSnapchatRedditLinkedInI do not use social mediaOther
Less than 1 hour1–2 hours2–4 hours4–6 hoursMore than 6 hours
How often do you see political content on your social media feeds?*

1

2

3

4

5

1 is Never, 5 is Very frequently
Social mediaTelevisionOnline news websitesNewspapersPodcastsFamily and friendsI do not follow political news
Yes, activelyYes, occasionallyNoI used to but I unfollowed them
Algorithm Awareness & Echo Chambers
My social media feed shows content based on my past behavior and preferences.*

1

2

3

4

5

1 is Strongly disagree, 5 is Strongly agree
My feed mostly shows political content that aligns with my own views.*

1

2

3

4

5

1 is Strongly disagree, 5 is Strongly agree
I actively seek out political opinions that differ from my own on social media.*

1

2

3

4

5

1 is Strongly disagree, 5 is Strongly agree
The political content I see over time has become more extreme or one-sided.*

1

2

3

4

5

1 is Strongly disagree, 5 is Strongly agree
Social media platforms have significant influence over which political topics get public attention.*

1

2

3

4

5

1 is Strongly disagree, 5 is Strongly agree
Political Identity & Online Influence
Far-leftLeftCenter-leftCenterCenter-rightRightFar-rightI do not identify with any political positionI prefer not to say
Extent social media influenced your political views*

1

2

3

4

5

1 is Not at all, 5 is A great deal
Yes, multiple timesYes, once or twiceNoI am not sure
Political advertising on social media is transparent and clearly labeled*

1

2

3

4

5

1 is Strongly disagree, 5 is Strongly agree
Affective Polarization
I feel frustrated or angry when I encounter political views on social media that are very different from my own.*

1

2

3

4

5

1 is Strongly disagree, 5 is Strongly agree
People with political views opposite to mine are a threat to society.*

1

2

3

4

5

1 is Strongly disagree, 5 is Strongly agree
Social media makes political discussions more hostile and less respectful.*

1

2

3

4

5

1 is Strongly disagree, 5 is Strongly agree
I would be comfortable having a close friend or romantic partner with very different political views from my own.*

1

2

3

4

5

1 is Strongly disagree, 5 is Strongly agree
Social media deepens the political divide rather than bringing people together.*

1

2

3

4

5

1 is Strongly disagree, 5 is Strongly agree
Media Trust & Platform Regulation
How much do you trust mainstream media (TV, major newspapers, news websites) to report political events accurately?*

1

2

3

4

5

1 is No trust at all, 5 is Complete trust
Social media platforms should be required to label or restrict political advertisements.*

1

2

3

4

5

1 is Strongly disagree, 5 is Strongly agree
Social media companies do enough to prevent misinformation about politics.*

1

2

3

4

5

1 is Strongly disagree, 5 is Strongly agree
Is there anything else you would like to share about how social media has affected your political views or behavior?
Should be Empty:

Social Media, Politics & Generation Z: A Cross-National Study 📊🌍

Demographics

Social Media & Political Content Usage

Algorithm Awareness & Echo Chambers

Political Identity & Online Influence

Affective Polarization

Media Trust & Platform Regulation