Online civility in decline, says Microsoft study
Microsoft polled over 11,000 people about online civility, and the results aren’t great.
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What you need to know
The current global pandemic causes stresses in a variety of areas, when people interact online. A newMicrosoft studyshows that people view the web as a less civil place one year into the global pandemic than before COVID-19 became a worldwide concern.
While the fact that people aren’t always civil on the internet isn’t new information, the study sheds light on the effects of the current global pandemic on online civility. People in 82% of countries polled for Microsoft’s study believe that online civility is worse one year into the pandemic. Only Columbian participants believe that civility online has gotten better since a year of a global pandemic.
For the study, Microsoft polled teens ages 13-17 and adults ages 18-74. In total, over 11,000 people were surveyed for the study. People were asked about 21 online risks ranging across four categories; behavioral, sexual, reputational, and personal/intrusive. Microsoft has researched internet civility for several years, including surveying almost 70,000 people.
Microsoft defines the categories in a footnote:
Only 17% of respondents said that online civility improved as a result of COVID-19. 30% said that it worsened due to the global pandemic. Microsoft highlights some other insights from the study:
Microsoft also highlights that three of the five negative outcomes related to COVID-19 increased for the recent study:
The full results of the study will be revealed on February 8, 2022, which is Safer Internet Day 2022.
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This isn’t the first Microsoft study that points to a seemingly obvious fact. In April, Microsoft published a study that explained thatit’s important for people to have breaks. While these overall facts may seem obvious, studies like this help quantify data, compare how trends affect different regions, and occasionally lead to surprising results.
Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.
