In emerging economies, smartphone and social media users have broader social networks

Smartphone users in emerging economies – especially those who use social media – tend to be more exposed to people with different backgrounds and more connected with friends they don’t see in person.

• Pluralities in most emerging economies believe government should ensure equal internet access
• Mobile connectivity in emerging economies
• Publics in emerging economies worry social media sow division, even as they offer new chances for political engagement

Reflecting a demographic shift, 109 U.S. counties have become majority nonwhite since 2000

The white share of the population in the United States is declining as Hispanic, Asian and black populations grow. But the shift to a more diverse nation is happening more quickly in some places than in others.

The growing partisan divide in views of higher education

Americans see value in higher education, whether they graduated from college or not. Even so, there is an undercurrent of dissatisfaction – even suspicion – among the public about the role colleges play in society.

• How Americans view the college admissions process
• What’s the value of a college degree?

G7 nations stand out for their low birth rates, aging populations

Lower fertility rates and aging populations have become worldwide concerns, but the G7 nations – Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK and the U.S. – have stood out for their lower birth rates and graying of their citizens since the mid-20th century.

Interactive: Who shares your views on race?

In a survey of more than 6,000 American adults, we found that Americans are divided along racial lines in their views on the legacy of slavery, the best way to achieve diversity and the value they place on their own racial and ethnic identity. How do your views compare?

• Public has negative views of the country’s racial progress
• Americans see advantages and challenges in country’s growing racial and ethnic diversity

Most U.S. teens who use cellphones do it to pass time, connect with others, learn new things

Among religious ‘nones,’ atheists and agnostics know the most about religion

Smartphones help blacks, Hispanics bridge some – but not all – digital gaps with whites

Most Americans have a positive image of research scientists, but fewer see them as good communicators