The steady growth in adoption that social platforms have experienced in the U.S. over the past decade also appears to be slowing.
Mobile phone users see a mix of benefits and pitfalls related to their devices, and Facebook and WhatsApp are among the most widely used digital platforms.
Whether in advanced or emerging economies, younger people, those with higher levels of education and those with higher incomes are more likely to be digitally connected.
It’s been 15 years since the creation of Facebook. Despite broader scrutiny, the social media platform is popular across demographic groups.
One-in-five U.S. adults often get news via social media, slightly higher than the 16% who often do so from print newspapers.
Close to half of U.S. teens say they are on the internet “almost constantly." Yet highly plugged-in youth in America are just as likely as their less-connected peers to socialize regularly with their friends in person.
Teens credit social media for helping to build stronger friendships and exposing them to a more diverse world, but they express concern that these sites lead to drama and social pressure.
An analysis of videos suggested by the site’s recommendation engine finds that it directs users toward longer videos and more popular content.
Some 44% of liberal Democrats say they have used social media in the past year to encourage others to take action on an issue that was important to them. A similar share (43%) have taken part in a group that shares their interest in a cause.
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.
