Social Media Seen as Mostly Good for Democracy Across Many Nations, But U.S. is a Major Outlier
Most think social media has made it easier to manipulate and divide people, but they also say it informs and raises awareness.
Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World
Most think social media has made it easier to manipulate and divide people, but they also say it informs and raises awareness.
Social media is an important tool for consumers, with some Americans – particularly younger adults – turning to influencer recommendations.
The digital divide between Americans who have a disability and Americans who do not remains for some devices.
Black and Hispanic Americans remain less likely than White adults to say they own a traditional computer or have high-speed internet at home.
Rural adults are less likely than suburban adults to have home broadband and less likely than urban adults to own a smartphone, tablet or computer.
A median of 77% across 34 countries surveyed use the internet at least occasionally or own an internet-enabled smartphone.
Roughly six-in-ten U.S. adults often get news on a mobile device, compared with 30% who often do so on a desktop or laptop computer.
A majority of Americans are skeptical that tracking someone’s location through their cellphone would help curb the outbreak.
Most cellphone-using teens say their phone is a way to pass time. Similarly large shares use their phone to connect with others or learn new things.
Mobile phone users see a mix of benefits and pitfalls related to their devices, and Facebook and WhatsApp are among the most widely used digital platforms.
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