In views of U.S. democracy, widening partisan divides over freedom to peacefully protest

Americans continue to give their country negative ratings for living up to several key democratic ideals and principles. Notably, the share of Americans who say the phrase “people are free to peacefully protest” describes the country very or somewhat well has fallen from 73% to 60%, with the decline coming almost entirely among Democrats. Also, a majority now say significant changes are needed in the “fundamental design and structure of American government.” Democrats have grown more likely to say this since 2018 – and Republicans less.

Americans see skepticism of news media as healthy, say public trust in the institution can improve

Many Americans remain skeptical toward the news media, questioning not only the quality of journalists’ work but the intentions behind it. For instance, no more than half of U.S. adults have confidence in journalists to act in the best interests of the public, and Americans are more likely than not to say that news organizations do not care about the people they report on. Yet three-quarters also are open to the possibility that Americans’ trust in the media could improve.

• Americans largely see news organizations as opaque, particularly when it comes to finances
• Black Americans see representation as key in determining how they stay informed

Views of the economy have turned sharply negative in many countries amid COVID-19

Public attitudes about the economy have turned bleak in much of the world as the coronavirus outbreak continues to affect daily life. Overall, a median of only 31% of adults across 14 surveyed nations say their country’s current economic situation is good, while 68% say it is bad. Few people in the countries surveyed are hopeful things will get better in the next year.

• Amid COVID-19, remittances from U.S. to some Latin American nations fell sharply in April, then rebounded
• Most approve of national response to COVID-19 in 14 advanced economies
• See all of our coronavirus research

A majority of young adults in the U.S. live with their parents for first time since Great Depression

The share of 18- to 29-year-olds living with their parents has become a majority since U.S. coronavirus cases began spreading early this year, surpassing the previous peak during the Great Depression era. In July, 52% of young adults resided with one or both of their parents, up from 47% in February. Growth was sharpest among those ages 18 to 24 and those who are White.

Half of U.S. Christians say casual sex between consenting adults is sometimes or always acceptable

Most Senate elections reflect states’ presidential votes

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Decoded: Small changes in survey scales can matter when measuring political ideology in Europe

From our research