People around the world are growing more negative about social media's effect on democracy, according to a new Pew Research Center survey.

The 37-nation study, published October 1, found that negative views rose in 16 of the 26 countries tracked over time. In the United States, 64 percent now see social media as bad for democracy, unchanged from the last reading.

Respondents pointed to misinformation, polarisation and harassment as the main harms. Supporters of social media cited its role in giving ordinary people a voice.

The findings land as governments debate new rules for platforms. Several countries have passed or proposed laws on content moderation and algorithmic transparency.

Pew notes the mood varies by region. Some developing countries remain more positive, valuing the access social media gives to information.

Researchers say the trend reflects a maturing view: early optimism about digital democracy has given way to scepticism about its side effects.

Sources: pewresearch.org, northlandnewsradio.com, disa.org.