Relatively few Americans strongly associate following the news with being a good member of society
% of U.S. adults who say it is __ to do each of the following to be a good member of society
Note: Respondents who did not answer are not shown.
Source: Pew Research Center survey of U.S. adults conducted Dec. 8-14, 2025.
“Americans’ Complicated Relationship With News”
“Americans’ Complicated Relationship With News”
PEW-KNIGHT INITIATIVE
Relatively few Americans strongly associate following the news with being a good member of society
% of U.S. adults who say it is __ to do each of the following to be a good member of society
| Extremely important | Very important | Somewhat important | Not too important | Not at all important | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vote in elections | 49% | 27% | 16% | 4% | 3% |
| Pay taxes | 28% | 37% | 23% | 6% | 5% |
| Respect the opinions and beliefs of those they disagree with | 26% | 36% | 29% | 5% | 3% |
| Serve jury duty if they are called | 25% | 32% | 28% | 8% | 6% |
| Volunteer to help others | 18% | 36% | 36% | 6% | 2% |
| Follow the news | 11% | 30% | 41% | 12% | 6% |
| Attend rallies or protests on issues they think are important | 5% | 11% | 32% | 28% | 23% |
Note: Respondents who did not answer are not shown.
Source: Pew Research Center survey of U.S. adults conducted Dec. 8-14, 2025.
“Americans’ Complicated Relationship With News”
“Americans’ Complicated Relationship With News”
PEW-KNIGHT INITIATIVE
