# How often people see unwanted or harmful content while scrolling

Canonical page: https://data.verasight.io/culture/how-often-people-see-unwanted-or-harmful-content-while-scrolling/

> Indexed question in Culture.

## Reading

In a Verasight survey of 1,000 U.S. adults conducted May 1 to 4, 2026, 52% of Americans said they come across unwanted or emotionally harmful material on short-form video platforms at least sometimes when they scroll.

Another 25% said this happens rarely, 12% said never, and 11% said they do not use short-form video platforms.

## Topline

How frequently do you come across unwanted or emotionally harmful material when you are scrolling on short-form video platforms (TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, etc.)?

52% encounter harmful short-form video content at least sometimes.

- Sometimes / Occasionally when I scroll: 32.2%
- Rarely / Infrequently when I scroll: 25.1%
- Frequently / Most times I scroll: 13.8%
- Never: 12.3%
- I don't use short-form video platforms: 10.9%
- Always / Every time I scroll: 5.7%

## Methodology

- Mode: Verasight panel recruited via random address-based sampling, random person-to-person text messaging, and dynamic online targeting
- Population: US adults age 18+
- Field dates: 2026-05-01 → 2026-05-04
- Base (unweighted): 1,000
- Margin of error: +/- 3.3%
- Module: 2
- Sponsor: Verasight
- Weight variable: weight
- Weighting targets: age, race/ethnicity, sex, income, education, region, metropolitan status

## Source

- Canonical question URL: [https://reports.verasight.io/r/sbm-2026#q-B.19](https://reports.verasight.io/r/sbm-2026#q-B.19)

## Citation

SBM Omnibus Survey #2026-049, fielded May 1-4, 2026, N=1,000 US adults age 18+, +/- 3.3%.

Canonical question URL: [https://reports.verasight.io/r/sbm-2026#q-B.19](https://reports.verasight.io/r/sbm-2026#q-B.19)