Most Americans rely on their own research to make big decisions, and that often means online searches
A big majority (81%) of Americans say they rely a lot on their own research – more than say they rely a lot on friends and family or experts.
Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World
A big majority (81%) of Americans say they rely a lot on their own research – more than say they rely a lot on friends and family or experts.
Lee Rainie, director of internet and technology research at the Pew Research Center, discussed the Center’s latest research at the Public Library Association’s 2018 meeting.
Many U.S. adults say they would benefit a lot from having at least one of seven different kinds of help in accessing information to help with decision-making.
People deal in varying ways with tensions about what information to trust and how much they want to learn. Some are interested and engaged with information; others are wary and stressed.
Lee Rainie discussed his group’s latest findings about the role of libraries and librarians on April 3 at Innovative Users Group conference. The latest work shows that many people struggle to find the most trustworthy information and they express a clear hope that librarians can help them.
Lee Rainie, director of Internet, Science and Technology research at the Pew Research Center, presented new findings about how people have shifted to the mindset of lifelong learners and the implications of that for librarians.
Trends in visiting public libraries have steadied, and many Americans have high expectations for what their local libraries should offer
Experts are split on whether the coming years will see less misinformation online. Those who foresee improvement hope for technological and societal solutions. Others say bad actors using technology can exploit human vulnerabilities.
Most Americans think that local libraries serve the educational needs of their communities and families well. But many do not know about key education services libraries provide.
A large majority of Americans seek extra knowledge for personal and work-related reasons. Digital technology plays a notable role in these knowledge pursuits, but place-based learning remains vital to many.
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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.
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