A recent study by the Pew Research Center has shed light on the public's perception of two of the most influential tech executives in the world, Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg. The findings indicate that a significant majority of Americans hold unfavorable views of both individuals, with Zuckerberg being more universally disliked across party lines.

The study, which surveyed 5,086 randomly selected U.S. adults from January 27 to February 2, 2025, found that 54% of respondents have an unfavorable view of Elon Musk, while a staggering 67% hold a negative view of Mark Zuckerberg. These numbers are particularly noteworthy given the significant influence both executives wield in the tech industry and beyond.

One possible factor contributing to the negative perception of Musk is his close affiliation with President Trump. Musk has been involved in various government operations since the start of Trump's presidency, using his political connections to push for significant changes, including budget cuts to government departments like USAID. This has led to 85% of Democratic respondents and 73% of Republican respondents holding unfavorable views of the Tesla CEO, largely along party lines.

Mark Zuckerberg, on the other hand, has faced criticism for his sudden interest in high fashion and his decision to upend longstanding Meta content moderation policies, limiting fact-checking and action against hate speech. These moves have led to widespread disapproval, with 60% of Republican respondents and 76% of Democratic respondents holding unfavorable views of the Facebook founder. Notably, Zuckerberg's attempts to rebrand himself as a "cool guy" with his gold chains and musical ambitions seem to have fallen flat with the American public.

The study's findings have significant implications for the tech industry, highlighting the importance of executives being mindful of their public image and the impact of their actions on their reputation. As tech companies continue to play an increasingly prominent role in shaping our society, the public's perception of their leaders will only become more crucial.

In conclusion, the Pew Research Center's study serves as a stark reminder that even the most influential individuals in the tech industry are not immune to public scrutiny. As Musk and Zuckerberg continue to shape the tech landscape, they would do well to take heed of the American public's sentiments and work to rebuild trust and credibility.