For shopping, phones are common and influencers have become a factor – especially for young adults
Social media is an important tool for consumers, with some Americans – particularly younger adults – turning to influencer recommendations.
Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World
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.
Majorities of teens credit social media with strengthening their friendships and providing support while also noting the emotionally charged side of these platforms.
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.
The share of Americans who say they watch television via cable or satellite has plunged from 76% in 2015 to 56% this year.
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.
1615 L St. NW, Suite 800
Washington, DC 20036
USA
(+1) 202-419-4300 | Main
(+1) 202-857-8562 | Fax
(+1) 202-419-4372 | Media Inquiries
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.
© 2024 Pew Research Center