Pew Research Center's Blog, page 46

Americans’ Top Priorities for 2015

For the first time in five years, as many Americans cite defending the U.S. against terrorism (76%) as a top policy priority as say that about strengthening the nation’s economy (75%).

Social Media & Stress

Frequent use of social media is not directly related to higher stress. But stress can be contagious through social media channels: Social media users are often more aware of the stressful events in others’ lives, and this awareness itself can lead to higher stress.

Obama’s Job Rating Ticks Higher

President Obama enters the seventh year of his presidency with a 47% approval rating, up five points since December. Meanwhile, the public’s views of the U.S. economy have steadily improved.

The Data on Women Leaders

Most Americans find women indistinguishable from men on key leadership traits, yet women still make up a small share of top leadership jobs. Explore the share of women in top U.S. political and business roles over time with these interactive charts.

Women and Leadership

Most Americans say women are every bit as capable of being good leaders as men, whether in political offices or in corporate boardrooms. So why, then, are they underrepresented in top jobs?

Americans’ Terrorism Worries Hold Steady After Paris Attacks

There has been little change in the public’s worries about an imminent terrorist attack in the United States, even in the aftermath of the deadly shootings in Paris.

Social Media Update 2014

While Facebook remains the most popular site, other platforms — like LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter — saw higher rates of growth over the past year. In 2014, 52% of online adults used two or more social media sites, up from 42% in 2013.

The Politics of Financial Insecurity

While the least financially secure Americans are more likely to back Democrats, that support is undercut by low political participation. Those who are financially insecure are far more likely to opt out of the political system altogether.

Faith on the Hill

More than nine-in-ten members of the newly elected 114th Congress are Christian — a significantly higher share than is seen in the general population. However, many other major religious groups are represented in the body, including Jews, Buddhists, Muslims, Hindus and the unaffiliated.

Technology’s Impact on Workers

Email remains the most important digital tool for workers. Just 7% of online job holders say the internet makes them less productive at work, but 36% say they spend more time working because of the internet and cell phones.