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.
People in advanced and emerging economies have mixed feelings about social media’s impact on political life.
The digital divide between Americans who have a disability and Americans who do not remains for some devices.
The 2020 election featured dramatic increases in lawmaker posts and audience engagement, but less overlap in the sources shared by members of each party.
In recent years, several new options have emerged in the social media universe, many of which explicitly present themselves as alternatives to more established social media platforms. Free speech ideals and heated political themes prevail on these sites, which draw praise from their users and skepticism from other Americans.
Two-thirds of parents in the U.S. say parenting is harder today than it was 20 years ago, with many citing technologies – like social media or smartphones – as a reason.
A median of 77% across 34 countries surveyed use the internet at least occasionally or own an internet-enabled smartphone.
Some Americans – particularly those who are younger or college educated – are finding virtual ways to connect, shop and be active.
A majority of Americans are turning to digital means to stay connected and track information about the coronavirus outbreak.
Key findings from a Pew Research Center study about online dating.
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