Comparing use of social media platforms and messaging apps in 11 countries around the world
Facebook and WhatsApp are the most widely used social media platforms and messaging applications in 11 countries around the world.
7 key findings about mobile phone and social media use in emerging economies
Mobile phone users see a mix of benefits and pitfalls related to their devices, and Facebook and WhatsApp are among the most widely used digital platforms.
Smartphone Ownership Is Growing Rapidly Around the World, but Not Always Equally
Whether in advanced or emerging economies, younger people, those with higher levels of education and those with higher incomes are more likely to be digitally connected.
Facebook Algorithms and Personal Data
About half of Facebook users say they are not comfortable when they see how the platform categorizes them, and 27% maintain the site’s classifications do not accurately represent them.
Social media outpaces print newspapers in the U.S. as a news source
One-in-five U.S. adults often get news via social media, slightly higher than the 16% who often do so from print newspapers.
Teens who are constantly online are just as likely to socialize with their friends offline
Close to half of U.S. teens say they are on the internet “almost constantly." Yet highly plugged-in youth in America are just as likely as their less-connected peers to socialize regularly with their friends in person.
Teens’ Social Media Habits and Experiences
Teens credit social media for helping to build stronger friendships and exposing them to a more diverse world, but they express concern that these sites lead to drama and social pressure.
Many Turn to YouTube for Children’s Content, News, How-To Lessons
An analysis of Youtube videos suggested by the site's recommendation engine finds that users are directed toward progressively longer and more popular content
Liberal Democrats more likely than other groups to be politically active on social media
Some 44% of liberal Democrats say they have used social media in the past year to encourage others to take action on an issue that was important to them. A similar share (43%) have taken part in a group that shares their interest in a cause.
Social Media Bots Draw Public’s Attention and Concern
About two-thirds of Americans have heard about social media bots. Many are concerned that bots are used maliciously and negatively affect how well-informed Americans are about current events.
