NEW YORK, New York — The Metropolis Institute has released two new studies uncovering unsettling trends in public perception regarding Holocaust history and online hate. According to one national survey, about one in eight Americans under the age of 40 (12%) believe that Jewish accounts of the Holocaust are exaggerated, while an even larger percentage, nearly one in four (27%), reported they are uncertain about the validity of these accounts. Many of those expressing doubt about the Holocaust also attribute any perceived exaggeration to Jewish communities themselves.
Jack Jedwab, President and CEO of the Metropolis Institute, expressed grave concerns over these findings. “Without dismissing the danger represented by Holocaust deniers, there is an urgent need to address the very worrisome rise in Holocaust skepticism,” Jedwab stated, underscoring the potential long-term impact on public understanding of historical facts and societal tolerance.
In tandem with the findings on Holocaust skepticism, a second survey from the Institute reveals that a majority of Americans (54%) overlook or ignore expressions of hate they encounter online. This trend follows on the heels of earlier reports noting an observed increase in the volume of hate speech and hateful content on social media platforms.
Both surveys were commissioned by the Metropolis Institute and conducted by Leger USA, affiliated with Leger Marketing, a leading polling firm based in Canada. The recent survey was conducted over three days, from September 27-29, 2024, and included a sample of 1,006 American participants. While the nature of a non-probability sample in a panel survey precludes a specific margin of error, the data offers insights into worrisome shifts in public attitudes.
The Metropolis Institute’s latest findings call attention to the complex challenges society faces regarding misinformation, historical skepticism, and the prevalence of online hate—issues the organization believes must be addressed through public education and digital literacy initiatives to foster awareness and resilience.