Pew Research Center Staff

Less than half of Americans consider the microwave a necessity, down from 68% in 2006.

Only three-in-ten Americans believe we should give preferential treatment to improve the position of minorities.

Hispanics now make up 22% of all children in the U.S. -- up from 9% in 1980.

Roughly half of internet users have used online classified ads, up from 22% in 2005.

Just over half of all working adults ages 50 to 64 say they have thought in the past year about postponing retirement.

Six-in-ten Gen Nexters completely agree that it is their duty to always vote.

Four-in-ten young adults say they have cut back spending on alcohol or cigarettes as a result of the recession.

A substantial majority of Democrats say that it is the government’s responsibility “to take care of people who can’t take care of themselves” while less than half of Republicans take that view.

Americans ages 65 and older are the most worried about government involvement in health care.

Fully 62% of non-Hispanic blacks now believe that Americans can always solve problems; in 2007 only 41% shared that confidence.