Trust, Facts & Democracy

In 2019, 74% of Americans said they had a mostly positive view of doctors; 68% had a mostly favorable view of medical research scientists.

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.

Majorities say the democratic principles tested on our survey are at least somewhat important. But often, underwhelming percentages describe democratic rights and institutions as very important.

Key quotes from a Pew Research Center canvassing of experts about the effect of technology on democracy.

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.

Michael Dimock, president of the Pew Research Center, spoke about the latest research on trust, facts, and democracy in America on the After The Fact podcast from the Pew Charitable Trusts.

An exploration of more than 50 Pew Research Center surveys confirms the overwhelming impact party identification has on Americans’ trust in the news media. And divides emerge within party – particularly the Republican Party – based on how strongly people approve of Trump.

As 2020 approaches, here’s a preview of how the Center is approaching the election, both in terms of how we plan to conduct surveys and other studies and what we plan to explore.

Americans agree that religion’s role in public life is ebbing. But while Republicans largely lament the trend, Democrats are split in their reactions.

A large majority of Americans feel that religion is losing influence in public life, according to a 2019 Pew Research Center survey.