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.
In April 2021, we followed up with many of the same parents surveyed in March 2020 on their children’s use of technology and social media.
People in advanced and emerging economies have mixed feelings about social media’s impact on political life.
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.
The 2020 election featured dramatic increases in lawmaker posts and audience engagement, but less overlap in the sources shared by members of each party.
The share of Americans who say they watch television via cable or satellite has plunged from 76% in 2015 to 56% this year.
A median of 77% across 34 countries surveyed use the internet at least occasionally or own an internet-enabled smartphone.
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