Lee Rainie

The outbreak has altered life in the U.S. in many ways, but in key respects it has affected black and Hispanic Americans more than others.

Americans with lower incomes are particularly likely to have concerns related to the digital divide and the digital “homework gap.”

About a third of Americans register low levels of trust in other people, versus 29% who are “high trusters” and 32% who are “medium trusters.”

Overall, 29% of U.S. adults said they have had more advantages in life than others their age; 26% felt they have had fewer advantages.

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.

About half the experts we canvassed predict humans' use of technology will weaken democracy by 2030, while a third expect technology will strengthen it as reformers fight back against democracy's foes.

As ownership of mobile phones, especially smartphones, spreads rapidly across the globe, there are still notable numbers of people in emerging economies who don't have access to mobile phones. And even phone owners struggle with connectivity, costs and security issues.

A majority of Americans are concerned about digital collection and use of their data by both companies and the government.

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.

Fifty years after the first computer network was connected, most experts say digital life will mostly change things for the better in coming decades. But they say this will require reforms toward better cooperation and security, basic rights and economic fairness.