Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World

Internet & Technology

Topic Spotlight

  • ChatGPT Adoption: 34% of U.S. adults have ever used ChatGPT, roughly double the share who said they had in 2023. (Read the short read)
  • Online Scams: Roughly three-quarters of U.S. adults say they have been a victim of an online scam or attack. (Read the report)
  • Views of AI: AI experts are much more positive and excited about AI’s potential than the American public, whose concerns have increased in recent years. (Read the report)

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An illustration of a scam burglar

Online Scams and Attacks in America Today

73% of U.S. adults have experienced some kind of online scam or attack, and these are common across age groups. Most get scam calls, texts and emails at least weekly.

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    86% of Internet Users Want to Prohibit Online Companies From Disclosing Their Personal Information Without Permission

    Washington, D.C., (Sunday, August 20th)- American Internet users want a guarantee of privacy online. An overwhelming 86% favor “opt in” policies that would require Internet companies to seek permission from users before they disclose personal information, according to a new survey by the Pew Internet & American Life Project. This view challenges the policy just […]

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    Internet Sapping Broadcast News Audience

    Introduction and Summary Traditional news outlets are feeling the impact of two distinct and powerful trends. Internet news has not only arrived, it is attracting key segments of the national audience. At the same time, growing numbers of Americans are losing the news habit. Fewer people say they enjoy following the news, and fully half […]

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    Optimism Reigns, Technology Plays Key Role

    Introduction and Summary Americans anticipate many perils in the next century, but none of them, no matter how grave, can dim the public’s positive view of the future. Despite consensus forecasts of natural disasters, environmental calamities and international terrorism, Americans are near unanimous in their confidence that life will get better for themselves, their families […]

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    Technology Triumphs, Morality Falters

    Introduction and Summary Americans see the 20th century as a time of great economic, social and technological progress. As individuals, as families, as members of various social and demographic groups, nearly two-thirds of Americans say they have improved their circumstances since the 1950s, and even larger numbers see economic and social gains for many segments […]

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    The Internet News Audience Goes Ordinary

    Introduction and Summary The Internet audience is not only growing, it is getting decidedly mainstream. Two years ago, when just 23% of Americans were going online, stories about technology were the top news draw. Today, with 41% of adults using the Internet, the weather is the most popular online news attraction. Increasingly people without college […]

Signature Reports

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An image of two teenage boys use their smartphones in Vail, Colorado. (Robert Alexander/Getty Images)

Teens, Social Media and Technology 2024

Nearly half of U.S. teens (46%) say they’re on the internet almost constantly. YouTube, TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat remain widely used by teens.

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How Teens and Parents Approach Screen Time

Most teens at least sometimes feel happy and peaceful when they don’t have their phone, but 44% say this makes them anxious. Half of parents say they have looked through their teen’s phone.