Content Analysis

Today, 67% of U.S. adults get at least some news on social media. Twitter, YouTube and Snapchat serve as sources of news for more of their users, though Facebook still leads as a source of news for Americans.

Roughly nine-in-ten Democrats say news media criticism keeps leaders in line (sometimes called the news media’s “watchdog role”), while only about four-in-ten Republicans say the same.

Government restrictions on religion and social hostilities involving religion increased in 2015 for the first time in three years. Government harassment and use of force surged in Europe, as did social hostilities against Muslims.

Large majorities of both Democrats and Republicans say the relationship between the two is unhealthy.

A unique study of Americans’ online news habits over the course of a week provides a detailed window into how Americans learn about current events in the digital age.

Trump voters named one source more than any other as their main source of election news, whereas Clinton voters were spread across an array of sources.

About two-in-three U.S. adults say fake news stories cause a great deal of confusion about the basic facts of current issues. And nearly a quarter say they have ever shared completely made-up news.

Americans who are highly attached to their communities and who always vote in local elections stand out for displaying stronger local news habits than those less engaged.

As the news media cover the turbulent 2016 presidential election, there’s been considerable debate around how much emphasis they should put on inaccurate or potentially offensive statements made by candidates.

Today’s presidential candidates are increasingly prioritizing social media outreach, while the role of campaign websites is shifting.