Plus, Americans' complicated relationship with the news media
September 5, 2020 The latest findings from Pew Research Center · Subscribe ↗
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 Americans continue to give their country negative ratings for living up to several key democratic ideals and principles. Notably, the share of Americans who say the phrase “people are free to peacefully protest” describes the country very or somewhat well has fallen from 73% to 60%, with the decline coming almost entirely among Democrats. Also, a majority now say significant changes are needed in the “fundamental design and structure of American government.” Democrats have grown more likely to say this since 2018 – and Republicans less.  Many Americans remain skeptical toward the news media, questioning not only the quality of journalists’ work but the intentions behind it. For instance, no more than half of U.S. adults have confidence in journalists to act in the best interests of the public, and Americans are more likely than not to say that news organizations do not care about the people they report on. Yet three-quarters also are open to the possibility that Americans’ trust in the media could improve.  Public attitudes about the economy have turned bleak in much of the world as the coronavirus outbreak continues to affect daily life. Overall, a median of only 31% of adults across 14 surveyed nations say their country’s current economic situation is good, while 68% say it is bad. Few people in the countries surveyed are hopeful things will get better in the next year. The share of 18- to 29-year-olds living with their parents has become a majority since U.S. coronavirus cases began spreading early this year, surpassing the previous peak during the Great Depression era. In July, 52% of young adults resided with one or both of their parents, up from 47% in February. Growth was sharpest among those ages 18 to 24 and those who are White. From our research76% The share of Republicans who say the phrase “everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed” describes the U.S. well. Just 28% of Democrats agree. | |
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