Trust in America: Do Americans trust the news media?
The declining public trust in the news media and polarization of news audiences have profound effects on civic life.
Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World
The declining public trust in the news media and polarization of news audiences have profound effects on civic life.
Many experts say public online spaces will significantly improve by 2035 if reformers, big technology firms, governments and activists tackle the problems created by misinformation, disinformation and toxic discourse. Others expect continuing troubles as digital tools and forums are used to exploit people’s frailties, stoke their rage and drive them apart.
Nine-in-ten Americans say the internet has been essential or important to them, many made video calls and 40% used technology in new ways. But while tech was a lifeline for some, others faced struggles.
The outbreak has altered life in the U.S. in many ways, but in key respects it has affected black and Hispanic Americans more than others.
A majority of Americans are concerned about digital collection and use of their data by both companies and the government.
A big majority (81%) of Americans say they rely a lot on their own research – more than say they rely a lot on friends and family or experts.
About a third of Americans register low levels of trust in other people, versus 29% who are “high trusters” and 32% who are “medium trusters.”
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