Research using surveys to study people and society. Covers consumer studies, dietary change, social-media and mood links, and public opinion.
A new study from RMIT University suggests that environmental awareness alone may not stop people from buying ultra-fast fashion. Shoppers weigh sustainability against price and convenience, using budgets and careful planning to make purchases feel more acceptable. The study identifies two psychological patterns, strategic spontaneity a...
A study of 8,620 US adults found that higher percentages of Republicans than Democrats justified violence to advance political objectives, with Strong Republicans more likely to anticipate being armed in a politically violent situation. Most Americans, however, reject political violence completely.
A survey of 17 G20 countries found that 65% of respondents believe the economic system is rigged to favor the rich and powerful, while 69% want major changes. However, only 31% trust their government to make decisions that benefit the majority in the long term.
A new study found that 72% of Australian women wear a different size under US sizing and 65% under EU sizing. The researchers suggest that some women may be compensating for shoes that don't accommodate their foot width. The study highlights the need for more inclusive footwear sizing systems and clearer sizing information.
A recent study analyzing 3.7 million menu options from 340 German university canteens reveals a significant shift towards more plant-based food environments. Vegan options increased by 275%, while meat-based dishes declined, leading to estimated annual reductions of 8,000 to 40,000 kilograms of CO₂ equivalents.
Researchers found a correlation between social media use and self-reported depression, with respondents who spent at least 150 minutes on social media per day experiencing increased depression. The study suggests that social media use can have negative health effects, particularly for adults.
A nationally representative survey conducted by the Annenberg Public Policy Center found that two-thirds of Americans favor banning glyphosate due to its potential health risks. The survey also shows that support for a ban cuts across political and ideological groups, with 70% of Republicans and 69% of Democrats in favor.
A substantial global study finds strong social connections are associated with better perceptions of overall mental and physical health. Childhood relationships also play a role in adult well-being, but adult friendships may be more influential.
A new survey finds that opposition to local data centers has risen sharply among US adults, with 61% opposing construction in their areas. Meanwhile, views on artificial intelligence remain stable, with 39% expressing concerns about its impact.
A new USC study found that LA County residents in evacuation zones experienced heightened levels of anxiety and depression after the 2025 wildfires. The effects were greatest among those facing social and economic hardship, highlighting the need for policies to bolster housing security and community support networks.
A new survey finds Orange County's governor race virtually tied, with the top issue being the cost of housing. The poll also reveals an increasing divide by generation and gender, yet an electorate converging on fixing housing costs. This leaves Democrats and Republicans scrambling to assemble winning coalitions.
Climate change has become Europe's top environmental issue, with concerns rising despite global crises, particularly in Nordic countries. Local impacts are also being recognized, such as water scarcity in Spain and air pollution in Italy.
A University of Utah-led survey found that 69% of Salt Lake County residents are concerned about the Great Salt Lake's decline, with habitat loss and risks to human health ranking as top issues. Concern varies by social group, birthplace, and personal experiences.
A major new study on bigamy in England and Wales reveals that only a small number of individuals were carrying on 'double lives', while many were victims of abandonment or exploitation. The study overturns previous assumptions about the crime, showing it was rarer than thought and punished harshly.
Research by Harvard Medical School found that traffic fatalities increased by 14.3% the day after mass shootings, resulting in nearly 20 additional deaths nationwide. The study analyzed internet search patterns and data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System to identify a consistent pattern across the country.
A study by HSE University found that younger users and those in Moscow and St Petersburg are more likely to fact-check information online. The researchers also discovered that middle- and high-income users are more likely to question the accuracy of content they encounter, highlighting digital inequality.
A new University of Arizona study reveals that more than 70% of parents and children in the US use media across various devices during family meals. The study found that media use by parents and children is not linked to each other, and that ethnicity is a significant predictor of media use.
A recent poll found that Orange County residents generally trust their local institutions, with 60% trusting the police department and 25% trusting the federal government. However, Independents express skepticism towards county government at just 32%, highlighting a concerning trend in the civic landscape.
A new study finds that Fair Workweek laws have made work schedules more predictable for service sector workers, improving job quality and financial stability. The laws also reduced exposure to back-to-back shifts and last-minute changes without cutting wages or benefits.
A new APA survey reveals that nearly three-quarters of psychologists have patients discussing artificial intelligence in therapy, using AI for mental health support and friendship. While some see AI as a complement to human relationships, others are concerned about its potential harm and lack of nuance.
A global study of over 200,000 people across 22 countries found that those who feel worse off financially than their peers are more likely to report signs of languishing, including lower happiness, health, and financial stability. The negative effects were strongest among young people, particularly young women.
A study of 90 Japanese esports players found 43.3% had poor subjective sleep quality, with later bedtimes and shorter sleep times common among pros. Early-morning gaming was linked to poor sleep quality, highlighting the need for sleep support tailored to competitive status.
A study from Tokyo University of Science found that public preferences for immigrants shift towards high-income individuals when their participation in the welfare system is highlighted. The researchers also discovered a joint interaction between concerns about welfare systems and job security on attitudes toward immigration.
The UC3M project analyzes how Leganés transitioned from an agricultural environment to a commercial city, losing youth leisure spaces and local retail networks. Citizen testimonies reveal the history of the city is not only in official archives but also in daily resident experiences.
A study found that passive AI use can lead to a decline in outcome satisfaction of 21% compared to manual writing, while collaborative AI use showed similar scores. Passive AI use also reduced feelings of ownership and perceived meaningfulness by nearly 20%.
Research reveals that gay dating apps during travel can bring excitement and connection but also lead to emotional exhaustion and catfishing. Participants describe using apps to cope with boredom, insecurity, and the emotional intensity of unfamiliar places.
A study by Norwegian University of Science and Technology found that private health insurance uptake is linked to poorer health in the population, particularly among those with low education levels. The researchers suggest that policymakers should implement strategies to mitigate this negative effect.
A review of food waste in Australia's quick service restaurants found order mistakes as the biggest driver of waste, with better staff training crucial for reduction. The study recommends ongoing training and making food waste metrics part of performance evaluations to mitigate back-of-house food waste.
Researchers found that monasteries are surprisingly adaptable to technological change, using historic forms of organization as a strength in their digital transformation. The study highlights the importance of co-determination and decentralized decision-making processes in successful digitalization.
A new study by the University of East Anglia reveals that refugees who entered the UK as unaccompanied minors experience relentless cycles of intrusive memories, loneliness, and physical pain. Social connection emerges as a powerful buffer against distress, with many participants finding comfort in activities like cricket or prayer.
A recent study reveals widespread exposure to harm among US teens using AI chatbots, with entertainment being the most common motivation. The study found that nearly half of teens experienced at least one risk, including exposure to unsafe content and encouraging risky behavior.
A long-term study finds that children in infant care institutions had a 48% higher risk of mortality and shorter life expectancy than those raised at home. The research highlights the importance of affection and stimulation in early childhood, revealing lifelong consequences for those who experienced institutional care.
Orange County residents hold broadly positive but carefully qualified views on immigration, recognizing its benefits while drawing distinctions around enforcement. The UCI-OC Poll found that Orange County residents are pragmatic about immigration, supporting targeted enforcement against human trafficking and limiting immigration from u...
A new UK study found that many heat-related deaths occur during lower-level alerts, highlighting widespread gaps in awareness and response. Older people are particularly vulnerable to these risks, with lower engagement with warnings leaving them exposed.
Researchers found that people follow a two-stage process, sampling behaviors at first and committing once enough evidence accumulates. The Tolerance Principle predicts when people have seen enough regularity to treat a pattern as a rule despite some exceptions.
A new statewide survey found that economic instability is strongly associated with higher rates of violence among California adults. Adults experiencing homelessness were about five times more likely to report physical violence, while those facing food insecurity were about four times more likely. The study highlights the need for a pu...
The University of Phoenix Career Institute's sixth annual study found that half of workers say AI makes them more confident about pivoting to a new role. Workers are increasingly turning to AI independently to strengthen their readiness, boosting confidence in building skills and identifying new ways to apply them.
A new study found that male, married Canadians with social support, healthy habits, and excellent health are more likely to experience high levels of emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Social support was a key factor associated with flourishing mental health among older adults.
The April 2026 nTIDE report shows modest gains in employment-to-population ratio for people with disabilities, increasing from 38.1% to 38.5%, and labor force participation rate also increased, suggesting more individuals with disabilities entering the workforce to support their families amid rising prices.
A large-scale study published in Nature found that hundreds of researchers reanalyzing the same data often reached divergent conclusions. The study highlighted the critical role of collaboration and exchange across disciplines in achieving robust results.
A new study from Umea University reveals that adult children's unemployment is strongly associated with the depression risk of older parents in India. The research, based on extensive data from the Longitudinal Ageing Survey of India, shows a clear link between child employment and parental mental health.
Research shows that targeted interventions highlighting personal impact on others can alter behavior among partisans. Both Republican and Democratic voters reduced risk-taking when presented with a simple message asking to choose the safer option for themselves and others.
A recent UK survey conducted by Anglia Ruskin University found that approximately 2% of adults reported being victims of drink spiking in the previous 12 months, equating to nearly one million people. Women were more likely to experience spiking, and incidents are often linked to sexual assault, physical assault, theft, or 'pranks'.
A study found that 44% of respondents were open to trying insects, while 27% were willing to include them in their regular diet. Curiosity and perceived health benefits were key motivators, while disgust and fear were major barriers. Presenting insect-based products in a appealing way can help increase acceptance.
Members of Gen Z actively observe, evaluate and judge companies' environmental behavior, valuing commitment and credibility. They are more critical and demanding than previous generations, with varying perceptions across countries and genders.
A recent study suggests that social media users are more likely to watch TV programs endorsed by members of their political party. However, individuals' racial identity and perceptions of racial and political ingroup norms also play a role in their decisions. The study found that white Republicans reported the weakest intentions to wat...
A study by Linköping University found that traditional open-plan offices increase the risk of bullying, while activity-based offices show no increased risk. The researchers suggest providing private spaces and handling irritation before it escalates as key lessons for employers.
A survey by UJI mathematicians found that 69% of the Spanish population considers prostitution a form of violence against women. The study also shows that 79.1% of respondents agree that prostitution puts the dignity of those involved at risk.
A new study reveals Americans' doubts about driverless cars go beyond safety concerns, with many fearing mass job losses and widening income inequality. Over six in ten adults would probably or definitely avoid riding in a self-driving car.
A global study of 23,000 people found that Gen Z men are more likely to agree that a wife should obey her husband and have traditional views on decision-making within a marriage. Meanwhile, Gen Z women showed less agreement with these statements compared to Baby Boomer women.
A new report from Johns Hopkins University and Millions of Conversations finds that US history is more polarizing by generation than by race or ideology. Older generations tend to admire early American history, while younger generations favor contemporary social justice movements.
A new study by University of Nebraska-Lincoln sociologist Philip Schwadel found that God-believing religious nones are more likely to hold conservative views than other nones. They tend to support school prayer, the death penalty, and anti-abortion laws, while opposing increased spending on welfare and education.
A new study reveals that young adults in Sweden report lower life satisfaction, a weaker sense of meaning, and higher levels of loneliness, anxiety, and depression compared to older age groups. In contrast, older Swedes are among the happiest in the world, with strong close relationships and less loneliness.
Research found that rates of poor mental health and suicide attempts have largely recovered, but repeated self-harm is increasing, especially among females. Trans and gender-diverse young people and early school leavers are particularly vulnerable to mental distress.
A growing trend in Holocaust commemoration worldwide is the establishment of museums and exhibitions honoring the Righteous Among the Nations, heroes who risked their lives to save Jews from extermination. These initiatives aim to preserve Jewish heritage, commemorate the memory of the Holocaust, and combat racism and antisemitism.
A new study finds that U.S. middle-aged adults experience higher loneliness, depressive symptoms, and poorer memory and physical strength compared to peers in Nordic Europe. This decline is largely attributed to the lack of comprehensive family policies, inadequate healthcare access, and rising income inequality.
A 2025 survey found that U.S. adults view opioid overdose as a serious problem, with differing opinions on who is responsible for reducing overdose rates. The study suggests varying preferences for future actions to address overdose among conservatives, moderates, and liberals.
A new study based on data from Germany found that learning about widespread public support for climate action policies initially makes people think such policies are more politically feasible, but these effects are small and short-lived. The study challenges common expectations about the power of public consensus to drive climate action.
A study by researchers from the University of East Anglia found that leisure crafting interventions can improve work outcomes, including creativity and meaning, in working adults. Participants who engaged in hobbies reported feeling more fulfilled and creative at work, with a stronger impact on older employees.
A recent study using virtual reality found that men who embodied a female avatar subjected to catcalling experienced strong feelings of anger and disgust, closely linked to moral disapproval. This type of reaction reflects the ability to put oneself in the victim's shoes and indicates moral disapproval of the behavior.