Young Adults and the Future of News
The ways Americans get news and information have transformed dramatically in the 21st century. The news habits of the youngest adults reflect this shift – and may offer some insight into what the future holds.
News Habits & Media
More Americans prefer to watch the news than read or listen to it
News Influencers Fact Sheet
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Many Americans Believe Fake News Is Sowing Confusion
About two-in-three U.S. adults say fake news stories cause a great deal of confusion about the basic facts of current issues. And nearly a quarter say they have ever shared completely made-up news.
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Most Americans take conflicting food studies in stride
While a majority of Americans encounter conflicting news stories about food and healthy eating, most see it as a sign of continued progress in food science.
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TV still the top source for election results, but digital platforms rise
Nearly nine-in-ten voters who followed the 2016 returns (88%) did so on TV, while 48% used online platforms; 21% used social networks such as Twitter and Facebook.
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Majority of U.S. adults think news media should not add interpretation to the facts
A majority of U.S. adults (59%) reject the idea of adding interpretation, saying that the news media should present the facts alone
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Whites more likely than nonwhites to have spoken to a local journalist
Only 26% of U.S. adults say they have been interviewed by a local journalist. Among those who have, not everyone’s voice is equally likely to be heard.
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Most Americans trust the military and scientists to act in the public’s interest
Three-quarters or more of Americans are confident in the military, medical scientists and scientists in general to act in the best interests of the public. But fewer than half report similar confidence in the news media, business leaders and elected officials.
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Putting post-debate ‘flash polls’ into perspective
In the aftermath of presidential debates, there is intense interest in gauging “who won.” How can we know the answer to that question?
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In Presidential Contest, Voters Say ‘Basic Facts,’ Not Just Policies, Are in Dispute
n the contentious weeks leading up to Election Day, voters are deeply divided over the candidates, major issues and the nation’s past and future course. And, in a new survey, most voters say these differences even extend to disputes over basic facts.
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Americans more tolerant of offensive speech than others in the world
Enshrined in the Bill of Rights, free expression is a bedrock American principle, and Americans tend to express stronger support for free expression than many others around the world.
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Younger adults more likely than their elders to prefer reading news
When asked whether one prefers to read, watch or listen to their news, younger adults are far more likely than older adults to opt for text – and most of that reading is occurring on the web.
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Signature Reports
How Americans View Journalists in the Digital Age
U.S. adults largely value journalists’ role in society but see their influence declining – and they differ over what a journalist is.
The Political Gap in Americans’ News Sources
Democrats are much more likely than Republicans to both use and trust many major news sources.
Most Americans Say They Are Tuned In to News About the Trump Administration
Far fewer are hearing about the administration’s relationship with the media than was the case early in President Donald Trump’s first term.
America’s News Influencers
This study explores the makeup of the social media news influencer universe, including who they are, what content they create and who their audiences are.
