Americans Worry About Rising Political Tensions

Americans are united in one belief: political violence is wrong. Yet, many fear it will become more common in the future. This concern isn't new, but it has grown over recent years. Politics seems to be the main reason people can't get along. Most Americans believe that outside of politics, people are generally kind and cooperative. However, politics creates divisions. Older Americans are more likely to think people get along compared to younger ones. They also believe that politeness has declined over time. Many people avoid talking about politics. Fewer than half feel safe sharing their political views publicly. Half of the public rarely discuss politics with those who have different views. Online, most people avoid these conversations, likely because they prefer to stick to groups that agree with them. In fact, the number of people talking face-to-face with those who have different political views has dropped in the last four years. Why the silence? Many think expressing political views can lead to insults, threats, or even job problems. They believe the risks outweigh the benefits, such as finding like-minded people or building support. Most Americans, regardless of age or political affiliation, feel disrespected by society. However, those who are comfortable expressing their political opinions feel more respected. Politics has become less civil over time. Both Democrats and Republicans agree on this. When looking at the other side, most see political opposition rather than enemies. But a significant number of Democrats view Republicans as a threat to their way of life, similar to four years ago. A little over a third of Republicans see Democrats as enemies, which is slightly less than before. Overall, most Americans are pessimistic about the country's ability to set aside political differences and work together. Republicans are somewhat more optimistic than Democrats, and younger Americans are more hopeful than older ones.