5 Years Later: America Looks Back at the Impact of COVID-19
Nearly three-quarters of U.S. adults (72%) say the COVID-19 pandemic did more to drive the country apart than to bring it together.
Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World
Nearly three-quarters of U.S. adults (72%) say the COVID-19 pandemic did more to drive the country apart than to bring it together.
Just 20% of the public views the coronavirus as a major threat to the health of the U.S. population and only 10% are very concerned about getting a serious case themselves. In addition, a relatively small share of U.S. adults (28%) say they’ve received an updated COVID-19 vaccine since last fall.
The public has long been divided over the role of government, but on certain issues there is bipartisan agreement that government should play a major role.
Nine-in-ten U.S. teens say they use YouTube. Majorities also use TikTok (63%), Instagram (61%) and Snapchat (55%).
Overall, 46% of Americans say the statement “public health officials were unprepared for the outbreak” describes their views extremely or very well, including similar shares of Republicans and Democrats.
In 2021, government restrictions on religion – laws, policies and actions by state officials that limit religious beliefs and practices – reached a new peak globally. Harassment of religious groups and interference in worship were two of the most common forms of government restrictions worldwide that year.
The $71.9 billion in foreign aid that the government spent in fiscal year 2023 works out to 1.2% of that year’s total federal spending.
About three-quarters of Americans say they have heard a lot or a little about Ozempic, Wegovy and other similar drugs that are being used for weight loss. Among those familiar with these drugs, 53% think they are good options to lose weight for people with obesity or a weight-related health condition.
Americans’ trust in scientists is slightly higher than it was last year, but remains lower than before the COVID-19 pandemic.
A 24-country survey finds a median of 59% are dissatisfied with how their democracy is functioning, and 74% think elected officials don’t care what people like them think.
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