Platforms & Services

Nearly a quarter of Americans say they’ve earned money in the digital “platform economy” in the past year, according to a new Pew Research Center survey. Perhaps surprisingly, though, the most commonly cited motivation for these workers is not the pay.

24% of Americans report earning money from the digital ‘platform economy’ in the past year. The extra income they make is a luxury for some, but a necessity for others.

The share of Americans who use Facebook is on the rise: 79% of online adults use the platform, more than double the share that uses Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram or LinkedIn.

Exposure to a range of new ideas and viewpoints that many social media users encounter can occasionally cause people to change their minds about political issues or candidates.

Some Americans enjoy the opportunities for political debate and engagement that social media facilitates, but many more express resignation, frustration over the tone and content of social platforms.

When asked whether one prefers to read, watch or listen to their news, younger adults are far more likely than older adults to opt for text – and most of that reading is occurring on the web.

Many Americans rely on cell phone internet access due to a lack of broadband at home. But are these devices a good substitute?

Americans fall along a spectrum of preparedness when it comes to using tech tools to pursue learning online, and many are not eager or ready to take the plunge

More than half of U.S. smartphone users say they get push notifications on their phones' screens, but only about half of those who ever get these alerts click through to the full story.