Survey Reveals Nearly Half of Young Adults Engage in Online Communities

WHO:

Pew Research Center - Conducted the survey on online community participation among U.S. adults.

WHAT:

Pew Research Center - Nearly 40% of U.S. adults participate in an online community.

Pew Research Center - Approximately 50% of adults aged 18 to 29 are part of an online community.

Pew Research Center - Social media is identified as the primary venue for online communities.

WHERE:

Pew Research Center - The survey pertains to online community participation in the United States.

WHY:

Pew Research Center - Online communities serve as virtual third spaces for social interaction.

HOW:

Pew Research Center - Online communities can take various forms, including Facebook groups, online video games, and fandom forums on Reddit.

(UPDATED October 15, 2026 11:01 UTC)

A recent survey by the Pew Research Center reveals that nearly 40% of U.S. adults are engaged in online communities, with participation rising to about 50% among those aged 18 to 29. Social media has emerged as the primary venue for these virtual interactions, which serve as important third spaces for social connection. Online communities can take many forms, including Facebook groups, online video games, and fandom forums on platforms like Reddit.