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

    First Pooch

    Both the Obama and Biden families will be bringing a new family dog to the executive branch in January, joining the nearly six-in-ten Americans who own a pet.

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    Be Good for Goodness Sake!

    Despite American Humanist Assn. bus ads proclaiming “Why believe in a god? Just be good for goodness’ sake,” a 57%-majority of Americans say belief in God is a prerequisite for morality.

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    Merry Christmas vs. Happy Holidays

    While more Americans would rather hear Merry Christmas than a less religious greeting, a plurality (45%) say it doesn’t matter.

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    Not So Silent Nights

    Fully 87% of Americans are not at all bothered by Christmas music in stores and public places.

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    Can You Hear Me Now?

    Younger adults are more likely to have problems with their cell phones.

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    Technology and Family Closeness

    One-quarter of adults believe internet and cell phones have brought their families closer together.

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    Necessary Cars

    Detroit may take some comfort from the fact that nine out of ten (91%) Americans see their cars as a necessity, essentially the same number who said so a decade earlier (93%).

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    Hajj to Mecca

    Six-in-ten American Muslims say making a pilgrimage to Mecca is very important.