As schools close due to the coronavirus, some U.S. students face a digital ‘homework gap’
As schools close and classes and assignments shift online, some students do not have reliable access to the internet at home.
Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World
Digital Divide
All
Digital Divide
Publications
-
-
Americans and Digital Knowledge in 2019
A majority of U.S. adults can answer fewer than half the questions correctly on a digital knowledge quiz, and many struggle with certain cybersecurity and privacy questions
-
Pluralities in most emerging economies believe government should ensure equal internet access
A median of 65% across 11 emerging economies say it is the government’s responsibility to ensure equal access to reliable internet service.
-
Nearly one-in-five teens can’t always finish their homework because of the digital divide
Some 15% of U.S. households with school-age children do not have a high-speed internet connection at home. Some teens are more likely to face digital hurdles when trying to complete their homework.
-
About a quarter of rural Americans say access to high-speed internet is a major problem
Fast, reliable internet service has become broadly essential. But 24% of rural U.S. adults say access to high-speed internet is a major problem in their community.
-
Distinguishing Between Factual and Opinion Statements in the News
The politically aware, digitally savvy and those more trusting of the news media fare better in differentiating factual statements from opinions.
-
Declining Majority of Online Adults Say the Internet Has Been Good for Society
At the same time, the contours of connectivity are shifting: One-in-five Americans (20%) are now ‘smartphone only’ internet users at home.
-
Publics Globally Want Unbiased News Coverage, but Are Divided on Whether Their News Media Deliver
A global median of 75% want their news media to be unbiased when covering political issues, yet many say the news media do a poor job of reporting on political issues fairly.
-
Many Americans, especially blacks and Hispanics, are hungry for help as they sort through information
Many U.S. adults say they would benefit a lot from having at least one of seven different kinds of help in accessing information to help with decision-making.
-
How People Approach Facts and Information
People deal in varying ways with tensions about what information to trust and how much they want to learn. Some are interested and engaged with information; others are wary and stressed.
