Digital literacy is widely recognized as a skill, yet Americans' knowledge of digital subjects varies depending on the topic. For instance, most U.S. Adults know the purpose of cookies on websites. Can create secure passwords. However, fewer individuals can identify an example of two-factor authentication, a cybersecurity measure that enhances the security of online accounts.
Furthermore, more people are familiar with Elon Musks' leadership at Tesla and Twitter in April 2023 compared to their understanding of the technology behind ChatGPT. (It's worth noting that Twitter was recently renamed X in July 2023 after this survey was conducted.)
According to a knowledge survey by Pew Research Center, among 5,101 U.S. Adults from May 15 to May 21, 2023, Americans typically answer around five out of nine questions correctly. These questions cover topics such as cybersecurity practices, facts about major tech companies, artificial intelligence, and federal laws regarding online privacy.
26% of U.S. Adults can answer at least seven of the nine questions accurately; however, only 4% can respond correctly to all nine questions. As seen in surveys on digital knowledge by Pew Research Center, there are noticeable differences in understanding digital issues based on age and level of education.
Cybersecurity
There's an image with a multiple-choice question; which password's the most secure option? 87% of adults in the United States can correctly identify the secure password from these choices. Additionally, 67% of people know that cookies are used to track website visits and activity. Interestingly 48% can correctly identify an example of two-factor authentication from a set of pictures.
Major technology companies
When asked about technology companies, 80% of individuals know that Elon Musk was running both Tesla and Twitter in April 2023. Moreover, 77% know about Facebook's decision to change its company name to Meta.
Artificial intelligence
Regarding intelligence knowledge, only 42% understand what deepfakes are. Seemingly authentic images, videos, or audio clips that never happened. Additionally, 32% are aware that large language models like ChatGPT generate responses based on patterns and relationships they learned from text found on the internet.
Federal privacy laws
Regarding privacy laws in the United States, there appears to be limited awareness. 23% know that there needs to be a national privacy law setting common standards for how companies can handle the data they collect through their products and services. Similarly, 21% realize that websites in the U.S. Are not allowed to collect personal data from individuals under thirteen.
Nevertheless, it's essential to acknowledge that Americans admit their lack of knowledge when faced with these questions.
When it comes to Artificial Intelligence, many people admit that they need clarification about how large language models operate (53%) or what a deepfake is (50%).
There is also a need for more clarity regarding privacy laws, as 52% of adults are unsure if the U.S. has a national online privacy law. Additionally, 40% still determine the age at which minors are protected from websites collecting their data without parental consent.
The level of knowledge among Americans varies depending on their educational background. A dot plot chart illustrates this difference in ability across different levels of education.
Individuals with a bachelor's degree or higher correctly answer an average of six out of nine questions. Those with some college education accurately answer around five questions on average. Conversely, individuals with a high school diploma or less education correctly answer approximately four questions on average.
The differences in knowledge based on education level are evident across all nine survey questions.
For instance, it is noticeable that college graduates have a likelihood of being knowledgeable about the following compared to individuals with a high school education or less; 64% of college graduates can accurately identify an example of two-factor authentication, while only 31% of those with a high school diploma or lower education can do so.
Regarding knowledge about cookies tracking users' website visits and activity, 82% of college graduates are aware. In contrast, only half of Americans with a high school diploma or less education possess this understanding.
Understanding how large language models like ChatGPT create responses is known by 49% of college graduates compared to 17% among those with a high school diploma or less education.
Defining what a deep fake is correct can be done by 57% of college graduates, whereas 28% of those with a high school diploma or less education can do so.
Despite observing some differences based on the background, it's worth noting that the majority of U.S. Adults possess general knowledge, such as knowing which companies Elon Musk was running in April 2023, being aware that Facebook changed its name to Meta, and identifying the most secure password out of four options.
Regarding knowledge about legislation, the disparities based on educational attainment are relatively less pronounced. For instance, most Americans, regardless of their level of education, need to be better-versed in the protections that exist to safeguard children's privacy online.
Differences in knowledge among Americans based on age
There are differences in digital knowledge among various age groups in America, although these patterns are inconsistent. Adults under 50 tend to have an understanding than those who are 50 and older.
The median number of answers provided by adults aged 18 to 29 is six. This number decreases to five for individuals aged 30 to 49 and drops to four for those 50 to 64 and those aged 65 or above.
The notable disparities in digital knowledge arise when Americans are questioned about topics such as two-factor authentication, deep fakes, and significant language models;
Approximately 68% of adults under 30 can accurately identify an example of two-factor authentication, compared to only 26% of individuals aged 65 or older.
Around 60% of Americans under 30 understand deep fakes, whereas about 24% of those aged 65 or older possess this knowledge.
Roughly 45%of individuals under the age of 30 comprehend how large language models function, surpassing the 15% of those aged 65 or older who have awareness.
However, the gaps between age groups on other questions are relatively smaller. A considerable number of younger individuals in the United States are aware that no comprehensive digital privacy law is currently in effect. Moreover, significant majorities across age brackets can accurately identify an instance of a highly secure password and are aware that Elon Musk held positions at both Tesla and Twitter in April 2023.