Science and scientists held in high esteem across global publics

Majorities across 20 publics say government investments in scientific research are worthwhile; most also express at least some confidence in scientists to do what is right.

• Americans prioritize being a world leader in scientific achievements more than other global publics
• Fact sheets: Public views of science around the world

U.S. public now divided over whether to get COVID-19 vaccine

There are widely held concerns about the safety and effectiveness of a possible vaccine and the pace of the approval process.

How important is climate change to voters in the 2020 election?

A majority of U.S. registered voters say climate change will be a very or somewhat important issue when they cast their vote in the presidential election.

64% of Americans say social media have a mostly negative effect on the way things are going in the U.S. today

Just one-in-ten Americans say social media sites have a mostly positive effect on the way things are going in the U.S. today. This blog post is part of a series that explores the role of social media in politics in the lead-up to the 2020 presidential election. Other posts in this series:

• 23% of users in U.S. say social media led them to change views on an issue; some cite Black Lives Matter
• 54% of Americans say social media companies shouldn’t allow any political ads
• Americans think social media can help build movements, but can also be a distraction

How Democrats and Republicans use Twitter

Most U.S. adults on Twitter post only rarely. But a small share of highly active users, most of whom are Democrats, produce the vast majority of tweets.

Conversations on science: Do Americans trust scientists?

Pew Research Center’s director of science and society research, Cary Funk, shares survey results on how the public perceives scientists on the Pew Charitable Trusts’ After the Fact podcast.

Partisans in the U.S. increasingly divided on whether offensive content online is taken seriously enough

59% of U.S. parents with lower incomes say their child may face digital obstacles in schoolwork

Many Americans get news on YouTube, where news organizations and independent producers thrive side by side

Media mentions

From our research