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Lee Rainie

Former Director, Internet and Technology Research

Expertise:Internet and Technology

Lee Rainie is the former director of internet and technology research at Pew Research Center. Under his leadership, the Center has issued more than 800 reports based on its surveys and data-science analyses that examine people’s online activities and the internet’s role in their lives. The American Sociological Association gave Rainie its award for “excellence in the reporting on social issues” and described his work as the “most authoritative source of reliable data on the use and impact of the internet and mobile connectivity.”

Rainie is a co-author of Networked: The new social operating system and five books about the future of the internet that are drawn from the Center’s research. He regularly speaks to government officials, media outlets and leaders, scholars and students, technology executives, librarians, civic and nonprofit groups about the changing media ecosystem.

Prior to launching Pew Research Center’s technology research, Rainie was managing editor of U.S. News & World Report.

Publications

  • report
    Social media and the cost of caring

    Social Media and the Cost of Caring

    Frequent use of social media is not directly related to higher stress. But stress can be contagious through social media channels: Social media users are often more aware of the stressful events in others’ lives, and this awareness itself can lead to higher stress.

  • report

    Technology’s Impact on Workers

    Online American workers say the internet and email are very important tools for doing their jobs, rating them higher in importance than landline phones, mobile phones, and social networking sites. Just 7% say the internet makes them less productive at work.

  • report
    The future of privacy

    The Future of Privacy

    Will governments and corporations expand current tracking policies? Or will innovators create new ways for individuals to control personal information? Experts are divided on whether a secure and balanced privacy-rights infrastructure will be in place by 2025.

  • report
    Digital Life in 2025 Americans Feel Better Informed Thanks to the Internet

    Americans Feel Better Informed Thanks to the Internet

    87% of online Americans say the web helps them learn new things, and 72% say it improves their ability to share ideas. Most enjoy having access to more information, rather than feel overloaded by it.

  • report
    The future of cyber attacks

    Cyber Attacks Likely to Increase

    Experts believe nations, rogue groups, and malicious individuals will step up their assaults on communications networks, targeting institutions, financial services agencies, utilities, and consumers over the next decade. Many also predict effective counter moves will generally contain the damage.

  • presentation

    The Internet of Things and what it means for librarians

    Many experts say the rise of embedded and wearable computing will bring the next revolution in digital technology. Lee Rainie shares the latest research from Pew about libraries and puts it into context with the expanding Internet of Things.

  • report

    Killer Apps in the Gigabit Age

    Experts foresee changes across all aspects of life as digital connectivity advances. They predict hyper-personalized interactions, 3D holograms, immersive virtual reality and a deepening dependency upon machines as we navigate our lives.