‘Doing your own research’ means several different things to Americans
% of U.S. adults who say they usually think of each of the following when they hear about someone “doing their own research”
Note: Respondents who did not answer are not shown.
Source: Pew Research Center survey of U.S. adults conducted Dec. 8-14, 2025.
“Americans’ Complicated Relationship With News”
“Americans’ Complicated Relationship With News”
PEW-KNIGHT INITIATIVE
‘Doing your own research’ means several different things to Americans
% of U.S. adults who say they usually think of each of the following when they hear about someone “doing their own research”
| Yes | No | Not sure | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discussing it with friends or family | 38% | 48% | 12% |
| Looking for firsthand experiences or personal stories | 63% | 22% | 15% |
| Questioning what official or governmental sources say | 68% | 18% | 14% |
| Questioning what major news organizations are reporting | 70% | 17% | 12% |
| Searching on Google or another search engine | 72% | 15% | 12% |
| Looking at scientific studies | 77% | 11% | 12% |
| Comparing information from different sources | 84% | 7% | 8% |
Note: Respondents who did not answer are not shown.
Source: Pew Research Center survey of U.S. adults conducted Dec. 8-14, 2025.
“Americans’ Complicated Relationship With News”
“Americans’ Complicated Relationship With News”
PEW-KNIGHT INITIATIVE
