Summer 2026 Supporter Survey

How has your relationship with the news changed in the past year?

I canceled or dropped a news subscription or stopped watching a news source I used to trust.

I started paying for a news source I wasn’t paying for before.

I get most of my news from social media, group chats or newsletters now.

I’ve started relying more on independent or nonprofit news outlets.

I actively avoid the news more than I used to.

I go directly to original sources (court filings, government documents, footage of hearings) instead of waiting for coverage.

I don’t trust any mainstream news outlet to tell me the full story anymore.

My news habits haven’t really changed.

When something big happens, where do you go first for information? (optional)

How are you holding up? Select the one that fits best.

Angry and still fighting

Exhausted but not giving up

Overwhelmed and looking for direction

More determined than I was six months ago

Numb, honestly

Some combination of all of the above

In the past year, have you noticed a company, media outlet or institution change its behavior in response to political pressure?

Yes

I'm not sure

If yes, tell us what you saw. Name the company or institution if you can, and describe what changed. (optional)

How much do you know about surveillance in your community?

I know whether my local police department uses facial-recognition technology.

I know what a data broker is and how they sell personal information to law enforcement.

I’ve looked up what information data brokers have on me.

I know whether my city or county has policies governing surveillance technology.

I know what a Stingray (cell-site simulator) is.

I’m aware of ICE or CBP using surveillance tools in or near my community.

I’ve heard of the government’s use of “domestic terrorism” designations to target activists or protesters.

None of the above, but I want to learn more.

None of the above, and this isn’t a priority for me right now.

Have you changed how you use your phone, apps or social media due to privacy or surveillance concerns in the past year?

Switched to encrypted messaging (Signal, etc.)

Turned off location services on my phone or specific apps

Deleted a social-media account or app

Changed my search engine or browser for privacy reasons

Started using a VPN

Reviewed or changed my privacy settings on social media

Opted out of data-broker sites

Stopped using a service because of its data practices or political ties

I’ve thought about doing some of these things but haven’t yet.

I haven’t changed anything.

What’s the most alarming or eye-catching thing you’ve seen happen to media, technology or free speech in the past six months?

How do you want to take action with Free Press going forward? Check all that apply.

Signing petitions

Calling or writing to elected officials

Attending rallies, protests or community gatherings

Connecting with other people in your area who care about these issues

Reading or watching educational content from Free Press and our newsletter Pressing Issues

Attending Free Press webinars or online events

Sharing Free Press content on social media

Becoming a monthly donor (if you aren’t already)

I’m not sure yet — but I want to stay involved

OPTIONAL — Please tell us more about who you are. The following questions are optional and the data we collect here will be used only for internal-information purposes. I was born (select one):

Before 1954

1955–1965

1966–1974

1975–1984

1985–1994

After 1995

Prefer not to share

Gender (check all that apply):

Female

Male

Transgender

Genderqueer

Nonbinary

Prefer not to share

Race/Ethnicity (check all that apply):

Hispanic or Latino/a/x/e

White

Asian or Asian American

Black or African American

American Indian or Alaska Native

Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander

Prefer not to share

Self-identify: