42% of social media users say the sites are important for them getting involved with political, social issues

For some, social media is a place to engage with politics, whether it’s to share information about protests or learn about candidates for office. But how valuable do Americans think social media is for them personally to get involved in issues and express their political opinions?

Half of U.S. adult social media users say social media is very or somewhat important for them when it comes to finding others who share their views about important issues, according to a Pew Research Center survey conducted in February.

Smaller shares say social media is important for getting involved with political or social issues that are important to them (42%) or giving them a venue to express their political opinions (34%).