Online Scams and Attacks in America Today
73% of U.S. adults have experienced some kind of online scam or attack, and these are common across age groups. Most get scam calls, texts and emails at least weekly.
Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World
Internet & Technology
Sign up for our Internet, Science, and Tech newsletter
New findings, delivered monthly
All
Internet & Technology
Publications
-
Key takeaways on Americans’ views about privacy, surveillance and data-sharing
A majority of Americans are concerned about digital collection and use of their data by both companies and the government.
-
Americans and Privacy: Concerned, Confused and Feeling Lack of Control Over Their Personal Information
Majorities of U.S. adults believe their personal data is less secure now, that data collection poses more risks than benefits, and that it is not possible to go through daily life without being tracked.
-
Shareable quotes from experts about the next 50 years of digital life
In 1969, a team of UCLA graduate students led by professor Leonard Kleinrock connected computer-to-computer with a team at the Stanford Research Institute. It was the first host-to-host communication of ARPANET, the early packet-switching network that was the precursor to today’s multibillion-host internet. Heading into the network’s 50th anniversary, Pew Research Center and Elon University’s […]
-
Experts Optimistic About the Next 50 Years of Digital Life
Fifty years after the first computer network was connected, most experts say digital life will mostly change things for the better in coming decades. But they say this will require reforms toward better cooperation and security, basic rights and economic fairness.
-
A small group of prolific users account for a majority of political tweets sent by U.S. adults
These users make up just 6% of all U.S. adults with public accounts, but they account for 73% of tweets from adults that mention politics.
-
Americans and Digital Knowledge in 2019
A majority of U.S. adults can answer fewer than half the questions correctly on a digital knowledge quiz, and many struggle with certain cybersecurity and privacy questions
-
Americans Are Wary of the Role Social Media Sites Play in Delivering the News
Getting news from social media is an increasingly common experience; nearly three-in-ten U.S. adults do so often.
-
Americans’ perceptions about unethical behavior shape how they think about people in powerful roles
The more confident people are that members of powerful groups behave unethically, the less likely they are to have confidence in that group’s performance.
-
Key findings about the online news landscape in America
The share of Americans who prefer to get their news online is growing. More Americans get news on social media than from print newspapers.
-
Millennials stand out for their technology use, but older generations also embrace digital life
Millennials have often led older Americans in their adoption and use of technology. But there has also been significant growth in tech adoption in recent years among older generations.
Signature Reports
Teens, Social Media and Technology 2024
Nearly half of U.S. teens (46%) say they’re on the internet almost constantly. YouTube, TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat remain widely used by teens.
How Teens and Parents Approach Screen Time
Most teens at least sometimes feel happy and peaceful when they don’t have their phone, but 44% say this makes them anxious. Half of parents say they have looked through their teen’s phone.
How the U.S. Public and AI Experts View Artificial Intelligence
These groups are far apart in their enthusiasm and predictions for AI, but both want more personal control and worry about too little regulation.
Americans’ Use of Mobile Technology and Home Broadband
Most U.S. adults today say they use the internet (95%), have a smartphone (90%) or subscribe to high-speed internet at home (80%). About four-in-ten report being online almost constantly.
