Quarterly Update
A message from Pew Research Center President Michael Dimock · Subscribe ↗
Understanding America’s next young generation
Dear reader,
As we close out the year, I want to thank you for being part of the Pew Research Center community. Your engagement helps us pursue a mission that matters: providing facts that illuminate how people are navigating an evolving world.
One area where clarity is urgently needed is America’s next young generation. Teens and young adults have grown up amid rapid technological change, shifting social norms and pandemic disruptions. They’re not a monolith – their experiences vary widely – but their choices will shape our future.
We intend to keep an eye on how these young Americans are responding to change on multiple fronts, from AI in classrooms to questions about the value of college or the impact of smartphones and social media.
We also hope to explore well-being and civic engagement among young adults and teens, including their mental health, family and social connections, and their participation in their communities. These issues are top of mind, but data is often lacking. We aim to bring young voices into the conversation with data that reflects their lived experiences.
Do you have a teen or young adult in your life? What are your worries or hopes for them? We’d love to hear what’s on your mind as we work to better understand America’s next young generation.
Wishing you a peaceful holiday season.
All my best,
Michael Dimock
President, Pew Research Center
Young adults and the future of news
Young adults follow the news less closely than those in other age groups. But they’re more likely than older adults to get news on social media and to trust what they encounter there. Our latest data essay explores the kinds of news young adults see, where they get it, how they define journalism in today’s media landscape, and more.
The gender gap in teen experiences
Many of the problems and pressures that American teens are dealing with differ significantly for boys and girls. Teens also see imbalances in how boys and girls are experiencing school and performing academically. For example, 42% say girls at their school get better grades than boys, while only 3% say boys get better grades.
What is happening with religion among young adults today?
Some media reports have suggested there may be a religious revival taking place among young adults in the U.S., especially young men. But our recent polls, along with other high-quality surveys we have analyzed, show no clear evidence that this kind of nationwide religious resurgence is underway.
Teens, social media and mental health
Nearly half of U.S. teens (48%) say social media has a mostly negative effect on people their age, an increase from 32% in 2022. Teens have also become more likely to say they spend too much time on these platforms: 45% say this now, up from 36% in 2022. At the same time, they largely see social media as a positive space for connection and creativity.
