A clear majority of Americans want stronger government oversight of social media companies, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted over six days through August 3.
The survey found that 61% supported firmer oversight, including 71% of Democrats and 62% of Republicans. Separately, 66% backed laws requiring age-verification tools to keep children under 16 off social platforms.
Concern about younger users was widespread: 85% said social media can be addictive for children, while a similar share viewed it as potentially harmful to their mental health. More than a dozen US states have already passed laws regulating minors’ access, though industry group NetChoice has challenged some measures in court.
The online poll covered 4,505 US adults and had a margin of error of two percentage points. At the same time, 70% described their time on social media as fun, showing that support for regulation coexists with broad use of the platforms.