Online Privacy & Security

Americans agree that certain behaviors constitute online harassment, but they are more divided on others.

Americans agree that certain behaviors – like direct personal threats – constitute online harassment. But they are more divided on others, such as sending unkind messages or publicly sharing a private conversation.

In the past year, Pew Research Center has explored a range of tech-related topics in the news – from online harassment to fake news to net neutrality.  Here are some key findings from our research on these and other technology issues.

The U.S. has more foreign students enrolled in its colleges and universities than any other country in the world. Explore data about foreign students in the U.S. higher education system.

Predictions from experts about truth and misinformation online in 2027, from @pewresearch and @ImagineInternet.

Experts are split on whether the coming years will see less misinformation online. Those who foresee improvement hope for technological and societal solutions. Others say bad actors using technology can exploit human vulnerabilities.

Seven-in-ten U.S. adults say it is it likely that their own phone calls and emails are being monitored by the government.

Many experts say lack of trust won't hinder increased public reliance on the internet. Some expect trust to grow as tech and regulatory changes arise; others think it will worsen or maybe change entirely.

About one-in-four Americans who have been harassed online say an acquaintance was behind their most recent incident.