People who get news from social media more likely to be antisemitic - poll

A recent Yale Youth Poll, as reported by The Jerusalem Post, reveals a deeply concerning correlation between social media news consumption and the prevalence of antisemitic beliefs among Americans. The study indicates that individuals who rely on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, X/Twitter, and Reddit for their news are significantly more likely to endorse harmful stereotypes about Jewish people.

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Americans who get their news from social media are more likely to hold antisemitic views, according to a Monday Yale Youth Poll, which also found that younger voters are more likely to have anti-Jewish beliefs.

The poll presented three specific antisemitic propositions: that American Jews are more loyal to Israel than the U.S., that they wield excessive power, and that boycotting Jewish businesses is acceptable in protest of the October 7 War. Social media users demonstrated a higher propensity to agree with these sentiments compared to those who consume news from traditional sources like newspapers, cable television, or broadcast television.

Beyond platform usage, the poll also sheds light on demographic trends. Younger voters, particularly those aged 18-29, exhibit a greater acceptance of these antisemitic ideas. Notably, Black voters were found to be more likely than other demographics to believe in these propositions. Conversely, white voters were the least likely to hold such views.

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Only around 5% of respondents who used traditional media as their news source believed in all three ideas.

Interestingly, the poll also touched upon political affiliations. Voters who supported Donald Trump in the 2024 election were found to be less likely to hold antisemitic beliefs than those who supported Kamala Harris. The Jerusalem Post also notes that ideological extremists, regardless of their political leaning, were most likely to perceive antisemitism as a serious issue in the United States, suggesting a complex interplay between extremism, awareness, and belief.

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Voters who cast their ballots for US President Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election were less likely than voters for former vice president Kamala Harris to hold these beliefs.