"Are smartphones and social media changing social interactions in emerging economies, or are people simply talking to the same people online that they once talked to offline?" This is the question examined by the Pew Research Center in this report published in August 2019. The report is based on data gathered via surveys and focus groups conducted in 2018 with adult participants in 11 countries. Chosen to represent emerging economies across four global regions, these countries include Lebanon, Vietnam, Colombia, and Kenya. Among the study's major findings, smartphone and social media users in these emerging economies tend to be more likely to interact regularly with people who are different from them in key demographic areas such as religion, income level, political party, and race or ethnicity. In addition to social activities, the report also delves into trends in other ways participants use mobile phones, such as looking up health information or applying to jobs. Those interested can read the full report online or download it as a 35-page PDF at the link above, where they will also find the report's topline questionnaire results. This report was written by Laura Silver and Christine Huang with additional analysis by Kyle Taylor.
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