Social Media

fact sheetOct 19, 2026

An image of someone using a smartphone with icons

Today YouTube and Facebook are the most-widely used online platforms. Explore the demographic patterns and trends shaping the social media landscape.

reportOct 7, 2026

Image depicts multiple phone screens, each with health influencer content

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.

reportOct 14, 2026

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.

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reportOct 20, 2004

Use of Online Rating Systems

33 million American internet users have reviewed or rated someone or something as part of an online rating system.
reportJan 4, 2004

Sharp decline in music file swappers

The percentage of American adult Internet users who say they download music drops by half and the usage of some file-sharing applications declines.
reportDec 22, 2003

America’s Online Pursuits

This report analyzes the responses of more than 64,000 Americans to phone surveys in the past three years. It finds that 63% of U.S. adults now are online and many of them have built Internet use into their lives in practical ways.
presentationNov 17, 2003

Opportunities and Challenges: Using the Internet for Prevention

Susannah Fox discusses national and California state survey findings.
presentationNov 3, 2003

The Online Healthcare Revolution and the Rise of e-Patients and e-Caregivers

This presentation is an overview of the Project’s ongoing research about how people use the Internet to get medical and health information.
presentationOct 8, 2003

Generation IM: Teens & Technology: The Findings of the Pew Internet & American Life Project

Ms. Lenhart’s speech covered how young Americans use the Internet, with a particular focus on instant messaging.
reportJul 16, 2003

Internet Health Resources

Half of American adults have searched online for 16 health topics ranging from disease information to smoking cessation strategies. Health seekers go online to become informed, to prepare for appointments and surgery, to share information, and to see…
reportDec 29, 2002

Counting on the Internet: Most find the information they seek, expect

Americans expect to find what they are looking for online in news, health care, government information, and shopping.
reportNov 17, 2002

Parents Online

Parents are more wired than non-parents and they are more enthusiastic about technology than non-parents and more likely to use the Web for health information, for their work or training, and for getting religious information.
reportOct 2, 2002

Digital Town Hall

Fully 88% of local elected officials use the Internet in the course of their official duties and many say their online activities have helped them learn more about local public opinion, stay in touch better with community groups, and encounter new voices in local civic life.

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Americans’ Use of Social Media in 2026

What Do Health and Wellness Influencers Post About?

Online Community and Connection in America

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