American life in the midst of crisis: How people are using technology as their lives are upended
Lee Rainie, director of internet and technology research at the Pew Research Center, presented this material on October 14, 2020 at a gathering sponsored by the International Institute of Communications. He described the most recent Center public opinion surveys since mid-March, covering the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak, racial justice protests that began in the summer, and the final stages of the 2020 presidential election campaign.
59% of U.S. parents with lower incomes say their child may face digital obstacles in schoolwork
38% of parents with children whose K-12 schools closed in the spring said that their child was likely to face digital obstacles in schoolwork.
Most Americans Think Social Media Sites Censor Political Viewpoints
Republicans are far more likely than Democrats to say major tech companies favor the views of liberals over conservatives. At the same time, partisans differ on whether social media companies should flag inaccurate information on their platforms.
Parenting Children in the Age of Screens
Two-thirds of parents in the U.S. say parenting is harder today than it was 20 years ago, with many citing technologies – like social media or smartphones – as a reason.
Experts Predict More Digital Innovation by 2030 Aimed at Enhancing Democracy
A majority of experts canvassed say significant reforms aimed at correcting problems in democratic institutions and representation will take place. But they are divided about whether this will lead to positive outcomes for the public.
53% of Americans Say the Internet Has Been Essential During the COVID-19 Outbreak
Americans with lower incomes are particularly likely to have concerns related to the digital divide and the digital “homework gap.”
8 charts on internet use around the world as countries grapple with COVID-19
A median of 77% across 34 countries surveyed use the internet at least occasionally or own an internet-enabled smartphone.
Americans turn to technology during COVID-19 outbreak, say an outage would be a problem
A majority of Americans are turning to digital means to stay connected and track information about the coronavirus outbreak.
Before the coronavirus, telework was an optional benefit, mostly for the affluent few
COVID-19 may yet do what years of advocacy have failed to: Make telework a benefit available to more than a relative handful of U.S. workers.
Mobile Divides in Emerging Economies
As ownership of mobile phones, especially smartphones, spreads rapidly across the globe, there are still notable numbers of people in emerging economies who don't have access to mobile phones. And even phone owners struggle with connectivity, costs and security issues.
