Andrew Perrin

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.

Americans say the public’s trust has been declining in both the federal government and in their fellow citizens. But most say this can be turned around.

Many Americans think declining trust in the government and in each other makes it harder to solve key problems. They have a wealth of ideas about what’s gone wrong and how to fix it.

The steady growth in adoption that social platforms have experienced in the U.S. over the past decade also appears to be slowing.

Roughly three-in-ten U.S. adults say they make no purchases using cash during a typical week, up slightly from 24% in 2015.

Some 15% of U.S. households with school-age children do not have a high-speed internet connection at home. Some teens are more likely to face digital hurdles when trying to complete their homework.

Overall, 43% of U.S. adults say they often or sometimes play video games. Gaming is popular among teens – especially teenage boys.

Just over half of Facebook users have adjusted privacy settings in the past year. Around four-in-ten have taken a break from checking for several weeks or more.

Just 31% of Americans say it would be very hard to give up their TV, down from 2006. In contrast, roughly half of cellphone owners say it would be very hard to give up their cellphone.

Having access to the internet did not lead to more online exploration for some new internet users, and some had difficulties with the tablets.