Americans Value Press Freedom but Differ on Its Limits
Many people in the U.S. say some press freedom restrictions are OK when weighed against concerns about false information or national security.
Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World
Read our research on:
Christopher St. Aubin
Research Analyst
Publications
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short reads
Where do Americans turn first for information about breaking news?
When a breaking news event happens, 36% of U.S. adults say they typically turn first to their preferred news organization to get more information.
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report
Americans’ Complicated Relationship With News
Most say being informed is essential for voting. Yet views differ on the importance of following news – and many say they’re worn out by it.
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More Americans prefer to watch the news than read or listen to it
A majority of Americans who prefer to watch the news (62%) say they prefer to get it from TV, rather than another platform.
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How Americans say the news they get makes them feel
Nearly half of Americans (46%) say the news they get makes them feel informed extremely often or often.
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fact sheet
Social Media and News Fact Sheet
Many Americans use social media for news: About a fifth or more regularly get news on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and TikTok.
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fact sheet
News Platform Fact Sheet
How Americans get news continues to evolve as platforms emerge, like AI chatbots and email newsletters. Find out how often they get news from digital devices.
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report
How Americans View Journalists in the Digital Age
U.S. adults largely value journalists’ role in society but see their influence declining – and they differ over what a journalist is.
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data essay
What Is News?
As people are exposed to more information from more sources than ever before, how they define and feel about “news” has become less clear-cut.
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Support dips for U.S. government, tech companies restricting false or violent online content
Democrats and Democratic leaners are more likely than Republicans and Republican leaners to support government restrictions on false information online.
