Both Republicans and Democrats prioritize family, but they differ over other sources of meaning in life
Republicans and Democrats differ substantially over several sources of meaning in life, including faith, freedom, health and hobbies.
Patrick van Kessel
Former Senior Data Scientist
Patrick van Kessel is a senior data scientist at Pew Research Center, specializing in computational social science research and methodology. He is the author of studies that have used natural language processing and machine learning to measure negative political discourse and news sharing behavior by members of Congress on social media, and is involved in the ongoing development of best practices for the application of data science methods across the Center. Van Kessel received his master’s degree in social science from the University of Chicago, where he focused on open-ended survey research and text analytics. He holds bachelor’s degrees in economics and political science from the University of Texas at Austin. Prior to joining Pew Research Center, he worked at NORC at the University of Chicago as a data scientist and technical advisor on a variety of research projects related to health, criminal justice and education.
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Where Americans find meaning in life has changed over the past four years
Here are six facts about where Americans find meaning in life and how those responses have shifted over the past four years.
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What Makes Life Meaningful? Views From 17 Advanced Economies
Family is preeminent for most publics but work, material well-being and health also play a key role.
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In Their Own Words, Americans Describe the Struggles and Silver Linings of the COVID-19 Pandemic
The outbreak has dramatically changed Americans’ lives and relationships over the past year. We asked people to tell us about their experiences – good and bad – in living through this moment in history.
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How lawmakers’ social media activity changed in the days after the U.S. Capitol riot
Social media activity by members of Congress changed in notable ways following the rioting at the Capitol by supporters of President Trump.
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Both Republicans and Democrats cite masks as a negative effect of COVID-19, but for very different reasons
When asked to describe how the COVID-19 outbreak has affected them negatively, Democrats and Republicans are divided on the subject of masks.
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Many Americans Get News on YouTube, Where News Organizations and Independent Producers Thrive Side by Side
Videos from independent news producers are more likely to cover subjects negatively and discuss conspiracy theories.
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Congress Soars to New Heights on Social Media
Democratic lawmakers post more content on Twitter, while the median Republican member now averages more audience engagement than the median Democrat across platforms.
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What is machine learning, and how does it work?
Our latest Methods 101 video explains the basics of machine learning and how it allows our researchers to analyze data on a large scale.
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Methods 101: What is machine learning, and how does it work?
We explain the basics of machine learning – using computer programs to identify patterns in data – and how it allows researchers at the Center to analyze data on a large scale.
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