Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World

Short Reads

Short-form data and analysis from Pew Research Center writers and social scientists. To view all our reports and publications, visit our main Publications page.

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  • short reads

    Technology Coverage in the Media

    Over the course of a year, news stories about technology filled just 1.6% of the total coverage, ranking it 20 out of 26 identified news topics.

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    Legalizing Marijuana

    Fully eight-in-ten adults younger than age 30 favor legalizing marijuana for medical use.

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    Taxed Enough Already?

    Despite increased anti-government sentiment, more Americans say they pay about the right amount in taxes than say they pay more than their fair share.

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    Okay to “Walk Away” from a Mortgage

    More than a third of Americans say it is acceptable to “walk away” from a home mortgage, at least under certain circumstances.

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    App Downloaders

    Three-in-ten adults who use cell phones have downloaded an app to their phone.

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    One Recession, Two Americas

    While a small majority of Americans experienced a mix of hardships during the recession, nearly half were largely free of economic difficulties.

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    No Partisan Advantage on Economy

    In dealing with the economy, as many Americans say the Republicans can do a better job as say that about the Democrats.

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    No Compromise

    The public prefers political leaders who stick to their positions over those who make compromises.