The Truth About Social Media and Personal Information

Pew Research Center conducted focus groups with highly engaged social media users to gain insight into their experiences and how they navigate the complexities of their online worlds. Participants described using different platforms for different purposes, finding community and support, and navigating authenticity and self-expression. Some users were highly reserved while others were open books, using social media to call attention to injustice and stand firm to their views. The discussions shed light on topics difficult to cover with surveys alone and highlight the ways navigating social media can both enrich and complicate people’s lives.