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Most Americans Fail in Digital Literacy

A Pew survey found that most US respondents could answer fewer than half the questions when quizzed on technology issues. Most challenging were questions on privacy and cybersecurity.

By Carol Mangis
October 18, 2019
why axis chart digital literacy

When it comes to digital knowledge, most Americans need to do more homework. (Or maybe we're just bad at taking tests?)

In a recent study conducted by the Pew Research Center (Statista made the graphic), respondents answered 10 questions on a range of technical topics, including cybersecurity, privacy, and social media companies. Most of us know about phishing and cookie, but just 28 percent could identify an example of two-factor authentication, and nearly half weren't sure what private browsing is. The median number of correct answers was four; only 2 percent aced the quiz with 10 correct answers.

Granted, some of these topics can be challenging to keep up with—technology morphs at a lightning pace, and so do its dangers for individuals. But it's never been more important to maintain your awareness of new tech and its impact on the world—witness deepfakes, the rise of AI (for better or worse), election interference, and on and on. We humbly suggest you keep up on the tech news that matters by visiting PCMag.com early and often.

What Is Two-Factor Authentication?
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About Carol Mangis

Managing Editor

My first editorial job (as a nascent copy editor) was at PC Magazine. I started working here in 1997, when print was huge (as was the magazine itself), personal computers were well on the way to becoming mainstream, smartphones didn’t exist, and floppy disks were de rigueur. I worked up to Senior Editor, then left in 2010 for Consumer Reports to work for its electronics team. After spending one lost year in marketing, I happily returned to PCMag in 2016 to edit and produce the PCMag Digital Edition, which I’m still doing today, along with various other projects as they arise. 

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