Partisans Remain Sharply Divided in Their Attitudes About the News Media
While most Americans expect news will be accurate, most also say news organizations cover up mistakes, take sides
Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World
While most Americans expect news will be accurate, most also say news organizations cover up mistakes, take sides
Younger U.S. adults were better than their elders at differentiating between factual and opinion statements in a survey conducted in early 2018.
Today, 67% of U.S. adults get at least some news on social media. Twitter, YouTube and Snapchat serve as sources of news for more of their users, though Facebook still leads as a source of news for Americans.
Where do Americans go to stay informed about science topics? Here are some key takeaways about Americans’ science news habits today.
Overall, 36% of Americans get science news at least a few times a week and three-in-ten actively seek it. Most get science news from general news outlets, but more see specialty sources as being accurate.
As of August 2017, 43% of Americans report often getting news online, just 7 points lower than the 50% who often get news on television.
The politically aware, digitally savvy and those more trusting of the news media fare better in differentiating factual statements from opinions.
A unique study of Americans’ online news habits over the course of a week provides a detailed window into how Americans learn about current events in the digital age.
Trump voters named one source more than any other as their main source of election news, whereas Clinton voters were spread across an array of sources.
A majority of Americans get news on social media, including 18% who do so often. News plays a varying role across the nine social networking sites studied.
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