It is estimated that 86 per cent Americans use social media. Almost all social media companies are receiving flak over the privacy issue, leaving question marks over the privacy of almost the entire US population.
However, a new study revealed that two-thirds of Americans (65 per cent) and over three in five regular social media users (63 per cent) say users of social media should not have any expectations of privacy. Regina Corso Consulting conducted a survey of 2,141 U.S. adults, 18 and older between 15 and 18 January 2019, as part of the study that has come up with the findings.
There are many critiques of social media, and these are shared by both Americans as well as these regular users. Three-quarters of U.S. adults and regular social media users (76 per cent for both) say one of the problems with so much social media is people cannot focus on things for a long time any longer. Two-thirds of Americans and regular social media users (67 per cent for both) say social media is making people lonelier in reality.
There are some generational differences as one might expect. Baby Boomers and the Greatest Generation are more likely than those who are Generation Z, Millennials and Gen Xers to say people on social media should not have any expectations of privacy (70 and 74 per cent vs. 52, 64 and 62 per cent). Interestingly, Millennials and Generation Xers are more likely than Generation Z, Baby Boomers and Greatest Generationers to say social media is making people lonelier in reality (74 and 70 per cent vs. 62, 62 and 61 per cent).
