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The majority of social media users support Big Tech companies’ efforts to combat misinformation, despite the rise of “alternative” social media platforms promoting unregulated free speech. A recent study by the Pew Research Center revealed that while 64 percent of users on platforms like Truth Social, Parler, BitChute, and Telegram prioritize free speech even if it means misinformation, the majority of all U.S. adults (61 percent) prefer tech companies to restrict such content to limit misinformation.
Alt social media users primarily seek like-minded conservative communities and stay informed about current events. However, the study also found that 15 percent of prominent accounts on these platforms have been suspended or banned on mainstream social media, indicating a pushback against their content. Additionally, 33 percent of alternative social media news consumers have participated in political activities and rallies after learning about them on these sites.
The environment on alt social media platforms discourages traditional news sources, with only a small percentage of users relying on them for daily news. Instead, users predominantly share content from other social sites or digital-only publications, showing a distrust towards legacy news organizations.
Small, but Vocal
Small, loyal user bases have flocked to alt social media sites like these to digest fringe ideas and current events, validate right-leaning beliefs, and organize against what they deem violations of fundamental free speech. The numbers might not seem huge, but a vocal minority is still making noise.
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Social Media
