What we know about internet use, smartphone ownership and digital divides in the U.S.
Today, most Americans subscribe to home broadband internet and own a smartphone, while about four-in-ten say they’re online almost constantly.
Technology Policy Issues
Republicans, Democrats now equally concerned about AI in daily life, but views on regulation differ
Overall, 44% of U.S. adults say they trust the U.S. a lot or some to regulate the use of AI effectively, while 47% have little to no trust in the U.S. to do this.
How People Around the World View AI
Most adults across 25 countries are aware of AI, and people are generally more concerned than excited about its effects on daily life.
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Technology Policy Issues
Publications
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International Publics Brace for Cyberattacks on Elections, Infrastructure, National Security
People across 26 countries say it is likely their country will be targeted by a cyberattack, but they are divided over whether their nation is well prepared to handle one.
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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.
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Social Media Bots Draw Public’s Attention and Concern
About two-thirds of Americans have heard about social media bots. Many are concerned that bots are used maliciously and negatively affect how well-informed Americans are about current events.
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How social media users have discussed sexual harassment since #MeToo went viral
Amid ongoing discussions about sexual harassment in the workplace and beyond, read five findings about how these issues have been discussed on Twitter and other social media outlets in the past year.
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Q&A: How and why we studied teens and cyberbullying
Roughly six-in-ten U.S. teens have been bullied or harassed online. Senior Researcher Monica Anderson discusses the methods and meaning behind the data.
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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.
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Americans are changing their relationship with Facebook
Just over half of Facebook users have adjusted privacy settings in the past year. Around four-in-ten have taken a break from checking for several weeks or more.
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Stories From Experts About the Impact of Digital Life
While many technology experts and scholars have concerns about the social, political and economic fallout from the spread of digital activities, they also tend to report that their own experience of digital life has been positive.
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Public Attitudes Toward Technology Companies
A majority of Republicans say technology firms support the views of liberals over conservatives and that social media platforms censor political viewpoints. Still, Americans tend to feel that these firms benefit them and – to a lesser degree – society.
