Public trust in science and scientists around the world

Plus, our study of YouTube as a source of news October 3, 2020 Weekly Roundup The latest findings from Pew Research Center · Subscribe ↗ Science and scientists held in high esteem across global publics Scientists and their research are widely viewed in a positive light in our new international survey, and large majorities believe government investments in scientific research yield benefits for society. Still, ambivalence about certain scientific developments – in areas such as artificial intelligence and genetically modified foods – often exists alongside positive views in other areas, such as space exploration. A country-by-country look at public views of science Americans prioritize being a world leader in scientific achievements more than other global publics Many Americans get news on YouTube, where news organizations and independent producers thrive side by side YouTube has become an important source of news for many Americans. But what kind of news are Americans getting on the platform, and who are they getting it from? Our new study finds a news landscape on YouTube in which established news organizations and independent news creators thrive side by side – and consequently, one where established news organizations no longer have full control over the news Americans watch. A closer look at the channels producing news on YouTube – and the videos themselves Americans are more positive about the long-term rise in U.S. racial and ethnic diversity than in 2016 The United States is more racially and ethnically diverse today than it ever has been, and it is projected to be even more diverse in the coming decades. Americans continue to mostly see the long-term rise in the nation's racial and ethnic diversity as neither good nor bad for the country, but since 2016, the share who say it is a good thing has risen. Increasing share of Americans favor a single government program to provide health care coverage A majority of Americans continue to say the federal government has a responsibility to make sure all Americans have health care coverage. And since last year, there has been an increase – especially among Democrats – in the share saying health insurance should be provided by a single national program run by the government. Most Cuban American voters identify as Republican in 2020 Unlike other Hispanic registered voters in the United States, most Cuban Americans identify as Republican – a pattern that could have electoral implications as President Donald Trump seeks to recapture the important swing state of Florida this year. Globally, religiously unaffiliated people more likely than those with a religion to lean left, accept homosexuality Confidence in Merkel is at all-time high in several countries during her last full year in office From our research 54% The share of Democrats who favor a "single payer" health insurance program run by the government, up from 44% in 2019. Support Pew Research Center In times of uncertainty, good decisions demand good data. Please support Pew Research Center with a contribution on the Center's behalf to our parent organization, The Pew Charitable Trusts. DONATE Newsletter preferences View in browser Unsubscribe Facebook Twitter Instagram Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank. As a neutral source of data and analysis, Pew Research Center does not take policy positions. © 2020 Pew Research Center