A new international survey is shedding light on a striking aspect of American public sentiment: a growing skepticism not just toward institutions, but toward one another.
According to data from the Pew Research Center, 53 percent of American adults say they view their fellow citizens as morally bad—a higher share than in any other country included in the 25-nation survey. The finding places the United States ahead of countries like Turkey and Brazil, while nations such as Canada stand in sharp contrast, with overwhelming majorities expressing positive views of their fellow citizens.
Because this is the first time Pew has asked this specific question, it is difficult to determine whether the sentiment reflects a recent shift or a longer-term trend. Still, the result aligns with other indicators pointing to declining social trust and increasing polarization within the United States.
The survey also explored how people judge specific behaviors, revealing a complex moral landscape. Americans were most unified in viewing extramarital affairs as morally wrong, with 90 percent expressing that view.
Opinions were more divided on issues such as abortion, pornography, and homosexuality, while fewer respondents considered behaviors like drinking alcohol or using contraceptives to be moral concerns.
Partisan differences further highlight the divide. A larger share of Democrats than Republicans said they view their fellow Americans as morally bad, though both groups showed significant levels of distrust.
This builds on earlier findings that many Americans see members of the opposing political party as less moral, reinforcing the idea that political identity is increasingly shaping broader social perceptions.
Some analysts point to deeper structural and cultural factors behind these attitudes. One perspective emphasizes changes in family structure and community life, suggesting that institutions traditionally associated with building trust—such as stable households and close-knit communities—have weakened over time. Others argue that media environments, economic pressures, and political rhetoric also contribute to how individuals perceive one another.
What is clear is that the issue extends beyond politics alone. Trust between individuals plays a foundational role in civic life, influencing everything from community engagement to public cooperation. When that trust erodes, the effects can ripple outward, shaping how people interact not just with government, but with neighbors, coworkers, and even family members.
