Online Community and Connection in America
Nearly four-in-ten U.S. adults are in an online community. These virtual third spaces can take many forms, like Facebook groups, online video games or fandom forums on Reddit.
Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World
Read our research on:
Social Media
What Do Health and Wellness Influencers Post About?
Just over half of health and wellness content on social media focuses on healthy living, while about a third discusses medical topics. And 38% of posts have a product or service promotion.
Across the Globe, People Increasingly Say Social Media Is Harming Democracy
Most think social media leads to manipulation and division, but they also say it informs people and gives them a voice in politics.
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Publications
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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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8 facts about Americans and TikTok
In the wake of TikTok’s deal to make its U.S. operations backed largely by non-Chinese investors, here’s what we know about Americans and TikTok.
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Teens, Social Media and AI Chatbots 2025
Roughly one-in-five U.S. teens say they are on TikTok and YouTube almost constantly. At the same time, 64% of teens say they use chatbots, including about three-in-ten who do so daily.
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Striking findings from 2025
Here’s a look back at 2025 through 12 of our most striking research findings.
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Americans’ Social Media Use 2025
YouTube remains the most popular, but adults are increasingly using Instagram, TikTok, WhatsApp and Reddit. Use of some platforms varies by age, gender, and race and ethnicity.
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Social Media Fact Sheet
Today YouTube and Facebook are the most-widely used online platforms. Explore the demographic patterns and trends shaping the social media landscape.
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How Parents Use Online Communities
On Reddit’s largest parenting forum, around one-in-five posts mention kids’ tech use. Posts often express negative emotions, but comments are overwhelmingly supportive.
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News Influencers Fact Sheet
About one-in-five U.S. adults say they regularly get news from news influencers on social media, and this is especially common among younger adults.
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In a shift, more Republicans now say calling people out on social media represents accountability
A growing share of Republicans say that those who call out others on social media for posts that might be considered offensive are mainly holding people accountable.
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How Parents Manage Screen Time for Kids
About four-in-ten parents say they could be doing better at managing their kid’s screen time. A larger share – 58% – say they’re doing the best they can.
