U.S. views on free speech online and welcoming online environments 2022, by age group

According to a 2022 survey conducted in the United States, 57 percent of respondents aged 18 to 29 years states that people being able to speak their minds freely online was more important than people being able to feel safe and welcome online. As age increased, as did the belief that feeling welcome online was more important than free speech online. Overall, 58 percent of those aged 65 years and over said that feeling safe online was more important than speaking freely. When teenagers were asked their opinions on this matter, the majority said that a safe and welcoming online environment was more important than free speech online.