Most Americans rely on their own research to make big decisions, and that often means online searches
A big majority (81%) of Americans say they rely a lot on their own research – more than say they rely a lot on friends and family or experts.
Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World
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Most Americans support right to have some personal info removed from online searches
The ability to keep personal information from being searchable online is at the crux of the debate around the “right to be forgotten.”
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Social Media Bots Draw Public’s Attention and Concern
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.
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Bots in the Twittersphere
An estimated two-thirds of tweeted links to popular websites are posted by automated accounts – not human beings.
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The Science People See on Social Media
Science-related Facebook pages draw millions of followers but ‘news you can use’ posts or ads outnumber ones about scientific discoveries.
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What Google searches can tell us about Americans’ interest in guns
Read key findings from an analysis that looks into the public’s interest in guns as potential consumer products, rather than as a subject of general interest.
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Many Americans, especially blacks and Hispanics, are hungry for help as they sort through information
Many U.S. adults say they would benefit a lot from having at least one of seven different kinds of help in accessing information to help with decision-making.
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Shareable quotes from experts on the future of truth and misinformation online
Predictions from experts about truth and misinformation online in 2027, from @pewresearch and @ImagineInternet.
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The Future of Truth and Misinformation Online
Experts are split on whether the coming years will see less misinformation online. Those who foresee improvement hope for technological and societal solutions. Others say bad actors using technology can exploit human vulnerabilities.
