A recent study by the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research at the University of Chicago reveals that Americans are increasingly feeling the need to avoid political news. The findings show that 65 percent of adults limit their intake of media related to government and politics due to feeling overwhelmed or fatigued. This trend extends to news about international conflicts, with half of the respondents expressing a similar sentiment.
Democrats are leading this trend, with 72 percent indicating they purposely avoid political media. Independents and Republicans also share this feeling, albeit to a slightly lesser extent, with 63 percent and 59 percent respectively admitting to avoiding these topics. When it comes to news about overseas conflicts, Democrats again top the list at 54 percent, closely followed by independents at 52 percent and Republicans at 47 percent.
Interestingly, Republicans are more inclined than other groups to bypass news on climate change, with nearly half steering clear of such content. In contrast, less than half of independents and only 37 percent of Democrats reported doing the same. The economy and job market didn't fare much better as areas of interest, with 45 percent of survey participants limiting their exposure to these topics.
The study also explored public opinion on who should be vocal about political issues. A notable portion of Americans believes small businesses have a right to express their views on politics, with 43 percent in favor and only 20 percent against. However, opinions were divided on celebrities' involvement in political discourse; four out of ten respondents disapproved while only a quarter saw it as acceptable for celebrities, athletes, or large corporations to share their political stances.
Conducted from December 5th through December 9th among adults across all fifty states plus the District of Columbia, this survey engaged participants both online and over the phone through AmeriSpeak's randomly selected panel members. With a total completion rate from 1,251 respondents—1,208 online and 43 by phone—the study's margin of error stands at plus or minus 3.7 percentage points at a confidence level of 95%, taking into account the design effect. Participants received compensation for their time spent on the survey.
Democrats are leading this trend, with 72 percent indicating they purposely avoid political media. Independents and Republicans also share this feeling, albeit to a slightly lesser extent, with 63 percent and 59 percent respectively admitting to avoiding these topics. When it comes to news about overseas conflicts, Democrats again top the list at 54 percent, closely followed by independents at 52 percent and Republicans at 47 percent.
Interestingly, Republicans are more inclined than other groups to bypass news on climate change, with nearly half steering clear of such content. In contrast, less than half of independents and only 37 percent of Democrats reported doing the same. The economy and job market didn't fare much better as areas of interest, with 45 percent of survey participants limiting their exposure to these topics.
The study also explored public opinion on who should be vocal about political issues. A notable portion of Americans believes small businesses have a right to express their views on politics, with 43 percent in favor and only 20 percent against. However, opinions were divided on celebrities' involvement in political discourse; four out of ten respondents disapproved while only a quarter saw it as acceptable for celebrities, athletes, or large corporations to share their political stances.
Conducted from December 5th through December 9th among adults across all fifty states plus the District of Columbia, this survey engaged participants both online and over the phone through AmeriSpeak's randomly selected panel members. With a total completion rate from 1,251 respondents—1,208 online and 43 by phone—the study's margin of error stands at plus or minus 3.7 percentage points at a confidence level of 95%, taking into account the design effect. Participants received compensation for their time spent on the survey.
