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
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How Americans View Data Privacy
The share of Americans who say they are very or somewhat concerned about government use of people’s data has increased from 64% in 2019 to 71% today. Two-thirds (67%) of adults say they understand little to nothing about what companies are doing with their personal data, up from 59%.
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What Americans Know About AI, Cybersecurity and Big Tech
Americans’ understanding of digital topics varies notably depending on the subject. For example, majorities of U.S. adults know what cookies on websites do and can identify a secure password, but far fewer can recognize an example of two-factor authentication.
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Quiz: Test your knowledge of digital topics
Test your knowledge of digital topics and terms by taking our nine-question quiz. Then, compare your score with knowledge measured among the American public.
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Most Americans favor restrictions on false information, violent content online
Most Americans say the U.S. government and technology companies should each take steps to restrict false information and extremely violent content online.
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Majority of Americans say TikTok is a threat to national security
About six-in-ten Americans (59%) see TikTok as a major or minor threat to national security in the United States.
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As AI Spreads, Experts Predict the Best and Worst Changes in Digital Life by 2035
As they watch the splashy emergence of generative artificial intelligence and an array of other AI applications, experts participating in a new Pew Research Center canvassing say they have deep concerns about people’s and society’s overall well-being. At the same time, they expect to see great benefits in health care, scientific advances and education
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Life on Social Media Platforms, in Users’ Own Words
In focus groups, highly engaged social media users describe the purposes that different platforms serve for them, their choices about what to reveal and how they try to anticipate any hostile reactions that could be lurking.
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AI in Hiring and Evaluating Workers: What Americans Think
62% of Americans believe artificial intelligence will have a major impact on jobholders overall in the next 20 years, but far fewer think it will greatly affect them personally. Majorities oppose using AI in making final decisions on hiring or firing.
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The Future of Human Agency
Experts are split about how much control people will retain over essential decision-making as digital systems and artificial intelligence spread. They agree that powerful corporate and government authorities will expand the role of AI in people’s daily lives in useful ways. But, many worry these systems will diminish individuals’ ability to control their choices.
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Teens and Cyberbullying 2022
Nearly half of U.S. teens have been bullied or harassed online, with physical appearance being seen as a relatively common reason why. Older teen girls are especially likely to report being targeted by online abuse overall and because of their appearance.
