Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World

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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

    A Scarcity of Car Lovers

    Only about a quarter of U.S. drivers now say they consider their car “something special — more than just a way to get around,” barely half of the 43% who felt this way in 1991.

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    Distracted Drivers

    About six-in-ten Americans report talking on a handheld phone while driving, a practice that some states have outlawed due to safety concerns.

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    Angry Motorists

    Nearly four-in-ten American drivers report having cursed or shouted at other drivers in the past year.

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    Unplug, Log On

    A majority of Americans have logged onto the internet with a wireless connection.

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    Widespread Economic Nationalism

    Majorities in all 25 of the countries included in the 2009 Pew Global Attitudes Survey agree that their government should take steps to protect their nation’s economy even if other allies object.

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    More Americans Say Trade Good for U.S.

    In a reversal of recent trends, the 2009 Pew Global Attitudes survey finds that among 25 countries surveyed, the largest increase in support for trade occurred in the United States.

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    Russians Have Confidence in Medvedev

    Despite worldwide skepticism of Russian President Dmitri Medvedev, he remains popular at home — though not quite as popular as his predecessor, Vladimir Putin.

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    U.N. Global Favorability

    Majorities or pluralities in 19 of 25 countries surveyed have a favorable view of the United Nations; moreover, ratings of the U.N. have grown more positive since 2007 in 12 of the 25 countries.

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    China Will Be World’s Top Superpower

    Majorities or pluralities in 13 of 25 countries surveyed believe that China will — or already has — replaced the U.S. as the world’s leading superpower.