Insights into Social Media Usage: A Review of Pew Research’s Latest Report
Pew Research has released its latest report on social media usage among Americans, based on a survey of 5,000 people. The report provides a general overview of social app usage trends, focusing on which apps people open regularly, rather than the time spent on each platform. While this data offers valuable insights, it’s essential to note that it may not be a definitive indicator of popularity or engagement.
The report shows that YouTube and Facebook continue to lead the way, with 71% of respondents indicating that they “ever use” the Facebook app. As seen in the chart below, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram are the most widely used social media platforms, while TikTok, WhatsApp, and Reddit have experienced a rise in usage among U.S. users.
Understanding the Data
The specific question posed in the survey asks respondents if they “ever use” any of the listed social media apps, which may not accurately reflect their preference or frequency of use. For instance, while Facebook may be the most widely used app, users may spend more time on TikTok or Instagram. Unfortunately, the report does not provide specific data on time spent on each platform, which would be a more valuable indicator of actual popularity and relevance.
Another element of the report examines daily usage, with the question “how often do you visit each app?” While this provides some insight into user behavior, it still does not capture the amount of time spent on each platform. As seen in the chart below, Facebook has become a daily habit for many users, with 71% of respondents visiting the app daily.
New Entrants and Trends
The report also notes the emergence of new social media platforms, including Threads and Bluesky. According to the data, around 8% of respondents are now Threads users, while 4% use Bluesky. X, another platform, has maintained its presence, with 21% of respondents using the app. As seen in the chart below, Threads’ user count has been steadily rising, while X has experienced a decline in usage.
The report also explores social media usage trends among younger users, with Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok leading the way. The full report includes insights into gender usage variances, political leaning, ethnicity, and more.
While the report provides a general overview of social media usage trends, it’s essential to consider the limitations of the data. Without a measure of time spent on each platform, it’s challenging to determine actual popularity and relevance. Nevertheless, the report offers valuable insights into the ever-evolving social media landscape. You can access the full report here.
