1. How the internet and technology shaped Americans’ personal experiences amid COVID-19
17% of Americans say digital interactions have been just as good as in-person contact; about two-thirds say these have been useful but not a replacement
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- 1. How the internet and technology shaped Americans’ personal experiences amid COVID-19
- As of April 2021, nine-in-ten Americans say the internet has been essential or important to them personally during the coronavirus outbreak
- Uptick in shares of adults ages 18 to 29, 65 and older who say the internet has been essential amid COVID-19
- 81% of Americans have ever talked with others via video calls during the pandemic
- When asked to describe in their own words how they’ve used technology in new or different ways, about four-in-ten mention video calls
- 17% of Americans say digital interactions have been just as good as in-person contact; about two-thirds say these have been useful but not a replacement
- As of April, 25% of Americans say they feel less close to close family members compared with before the pandemic, and 53% say this about acquaintances
- White adults more likely than Black, Hispanic adults to report no change in the closeness of their family ties and friendships during the pandemic
- About half or more of those whose personal lives changed in a major way say texts, messaging apps, voice calls have helped a lot for staying connected
- Adults ages 18 to 29 twice as likely as those 50 and older to say they feel closer with their friends than before the pandemic
- Americans with lower incomes particularly likely to say they feel less close to family members now than before the pandemic
- 71% of adults say text messages or group messaging apps have helped them at least a little to stay connected with family, friends during the pandemic
- Women, Black and Hispanic adults are particularly likely to say certain technologies have helped them a lot to stay connected with family, friends amid the pandemic
- About a third of Americans say their personal lives changed in a major way as a result of the pandemic
- About three-quarters of those who have been on video calls several times a day in the pandemic say they feel worn out or fatigued from this at least sometimes
- Young adults under 30 who have made video calls in the pandemic more likely than older users to say they are worn out, fatigued from spending time on calls
- About half of adults under 30 have tried to cut back on the amount of time they spend on the internet or their smartphone during the pandemic
- Young adults under 30 who have made video calls in the pandemic more likely than older users to say they are worn out, fatigued from spending time on calls
- 81% of Americans have ever talked with others via video calls during the pandemic
- When asked to describe in their own words how they’ve used technology in new or different ways, about four-in-ten mention video calls
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