1. How the internet and technology shaped Americans’ personal experiences amid COVID-19
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
Embed
Attachment Info
- 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
- 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
1615 L St. NW, Suite 800
Washington, DC 20036
USA
(+1) 202-419-4300 | Main
(+1) 202-857-8562 | Fax
(+1) 202-419-4372 | Media Inquiries
Research Topics
ABOUT PEW RESEARCH CENTER Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping the world. It conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, media content analysis and other empirical social science research. Pew Research Center does not take policy positions. It is a subsidiary of The Pew Charitable Trusts.
Copyright 2024 Pew Research Center