How is Social Media Shaping U.S. Public Opinion on Animal Welfare and Sustainability?

Livestock farming in the U.S. is getting a lot of attention because people worry about its effects on animals, the environment, and overall sustainability. One modern farming practice that is becoming popular is called precision livestock farming (PLF). This technology helps farmers take better care of their animals. However, for PLF to be accepted by the public, people need to trust it. Public trust is essential for PLF to succeed. This trust is known as a social license to operate—a kind of “green light” from society that says, “We trust you to do this responsibly.” If people don’t trust technology, it won’t lead to meaningful changes in animal farming. Today, people’s views on farming practices are shaped by concerns like animal welfare, antibiotic use and pollution from livestock farms. Social media plays a significant role in spreading these opinions, where users share their thoughts and information. Sometimes, strong feelings can have a more substantial impact than facts. When