Older adults are more likely to correctly answer factual questions about politics across engagement groups
% of U.S. adults in each engagement group who answered all 4 knowledge questions correctly
Note: Engagement groups are based on a cluster analysis that sorted Americans into four groups based on their responses to 19 questions about political activity, civic involvement, religious attendance and attention to news. All questions are multiple choice; for full question wording, refer to the topline.
Source: Pew Research Center survey of U.S. adults conducted Sept. 8-14, 2025.
“How Americans Are Engaged With News, Politics, Religion and Civic Life”
PEW-KNIGHT INITIATIVE
Older adults are more likely to correctly answer factual questions about politics across engagement groups
% of U.S. adults in each engagement group who answered all 4 knowledge questions correctly
| Ages 18-29 | 30-49 | 50+ | Oldest-Youngest difference | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mobilizers | 49 | 58 | 83 | +34 |
| Connectors | 52 | 69 | 77 | +25 |
| Spectators | 45 | 55 | 69 | +24 |
| Outsiders | 20 | 37 | 53 | +33 |
Note: Engagement groups are based on a cluster analysis that sorted Americans into four groups based on their responses to 19 questions about political activity, civic involvement, religious attendance and attention to news. All questions are multiple choice; for full question wording, refer to the topline.
Source: Pew Research Center survey of U.S. adults conducted Sept. 8-14, 2025.
“How Americans Are Engaged With News, Politics, Religion and Civic Life”
PEW-KNIGHT INITIATIVE
