IGF-USA 2020 Lead-In Event: The evolving role of the Internet in our lives

The IGF-USA is pleased to announce an event to highlight recent research and surveys by the Pew Research Center about the role of the Internet in our lives and society during the COVID-19 crisis and racial justice protests.

In the past several months, the Internet has reached an unprecedented level of importance. As a result the IGF-USA 2020 will be the most important yet, focusing on the issues that will not only have an immediate impact, but shape the future of the Internet for years to come. Thankfully, Pew Research has done incredible work to help frame these discussions in data.

In past years, Pew has been a valuable contributor to the IGF-USA, bringing their data and expertise to guide and moderate discussions about important issues such as the digital divide, techlash, and more! This year, we didn’t think it was fair to limit their contribution to a single topic, so we are organizing a dedicated session focused on their research on the digital divide, privacy, education, telework, and the numerous ways in which Americans have used and relied on technology during the pandemic.

During this session you can expect to get a preview of the IGF-USA 2020 and an in-depth overview of the recent relevant research from Pew. You will have an opportunity to ask questions about either.

The event takes place on July 8 from 1:00 – 2:30 PM EDT. We will be joined by Lee Rainie, Director of Internet and Technology Research at Pew Research Center, to lead the presentation of Pew’s research.

Pew Research Links

• • 53% of Americans Say the Internet Has Been Essential During the COVID-19 Outbreak
  • Americans turn to technology during COVID-19 outbreak, say an outage would be a problem
  • Most Americans don’t think cellphone tracking will help limit COVID-19, are divided on whether it’s acceptable
  • How Americans see digital privacy issues amid the COVID-19 outbreak
  • Lower-income parents most concerned about their children falling behind amid COVID-19 school closures
  • As schools shift to online learning amid pandemic, here’s what we know about disabled students in the U.S.
  • From virtual parties to ordering food, how Americans are using the internet during COVID-19
  • Telework may save U.S. jobs in COVID-19 downturn, especially among college graduates
  • The state of Americans’ trust in each other amid the COVID-19 pandemic
  • Americans’ Views of the News Media During the COVID-19 Outbreak
  • Fewer Americans now say media exaggerated COVID-19 risks, but big partisan gaps persist
  • Older Americans continue to follow COVID-19 news more closely than younger adults