Americans believe that social media companies manipulate the news at least a little bit, according to polling data released on Wednesday, but not to nearly the same degree as traditional media outlets.
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Nearly one-quarter, or 24 percent, believe that stories featured by websites such as Facebook and Twitter are determined by a combination of reader interest and editorial discretion, according to the data released by Morning Consult. That’s next to 23 percent who believe it’s determined exclusively by editors for the sites, and 20 percent who believe it’s based solely on reader interest.
Yet when it comes to “news stories on traditional media outlets,” including ABC, the New York Times, and the Wall Street Journal, many more believe that editors are running the show, with 36 percent who believe that reader interest is entirely irrelevant to the news that those organizations choose to run. That figure is followed by 26 percent who believe that the outlets use a combination of reader interest and editorial discretion, and just 13 percent who believe they rely solely on reader interest.
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The results of the survey, which was conducted May 13-15, follow a report last week that suggested Facebook discriminates against conservative news and media organizations when it comes to the site’s “trending news” feature. Several representatives of organizations that have been allegedly discriminated against are set to meet with Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg Wednesday.
Regardless of how the sites determine what news they display, respondents were largely satisfied with what they have been receiving. Depending on how the question was phrased, between 40 and 47 percent reported “total comfort” with tech giants determining what they receive, while 34 to 40 percent reported being “totally not comfortable.” Just 11 percent said the federal government should regulate social media companies, while 58 percent said the companies should remain free of regulation.
