• by Ray Schultz , Columnist, Yesterday

Americans are more likely than they were to stumble upon news instead of deliberately seeking it out. Forty-nine percent are in this category, up from 39% in 2019. But it depends on the nature of the content, judging by a recent study by Pew Research Center from the Pew-Knight Initiative.

Only 21% are exposed to opinions because they are seeking them out, and 14% say the same about humor. The remainder just happen to come across these types of reactions to news. 

In contrast, 58% deliberately look for in-depth information or deep dives. And 56% seek out the most up-to-date information. 

But this depends upon factors like age and politics.  

Among conservative Republicans, 65% specifically look for in-depth information and deep dives -- a percentage that falls to 54% for moderate/liberal Republicans. 

Similarly, 69% of liberal Democrats seek deep drives, compared to 51% of conservative to moderate Democrats. 

And, 63% of conservative Republicans look for the most up-to-date information, versus 49% of moderate/liberal GOPers. 

On the Democratic side, 65% of liberals search the most timely information, as do 51% of conservative to liberal Democrats.  

Only 26% of conservative Republicans look for opinions, and 15% for funny posts. Meanwhile, 23% of liberal democrats are on the lookout for opinions and so are 21% of moderate Democrats.  

The numbers for liberal Democrats and moderates both clock in at 13%. 

People age 65+ are more likely to hunt for in-depth information or deep dives (61%), and up-to-date news (68%). Only 52% of those ages 18-29 look for deep dives and 40% for up-to-date content.