phones People in 11 emerging economies say phones help them get news, despite worries about misinformation of adult mobile phone mostly users say 79% their phone has mostly helped their about important issues exposure to false or incorrect information when using has had on politics
Those in every country surveyed worry about the impact of mobile phones on children. Across these 11 emerging economies, a median of 79% of adults say people should be very concerned about children being exposed to harmful or immoral content when using their phones. In most countries, half or more say mobile phones and the internet have had a bad impact on children – more than the percentage who say they are concerned about the influence of technology on other facets of society included in the survey, such as politics, local culture and morality.
While mobile phone users largely agree that their phones help them get news, many are concerned about the spread of misinformation when using their phone. A median of 79% of mobile phone users across the 11 countries surveyed say their mobile phones have helped them get information and news about important issues. Smartphone users are particularly likely to say their devices bring these benefits compared with those with more basic devices. But, these perceived benefits can often coexist with concerns. A median of 64% of adults also say people should be very concerned about exposure to false or incorrect information when using their mobile phones.
phones People in 11 emerging economies say  | phones help them get news, despite  | worries about misinformation  | of adult mobile phone mostly users say  | 79%  | their phone has mostly helped their  | ability to get information and news  | about important issues  | % of adults who say people should be  | about  | exposure to false or incorrect information when using  | their mobile phones  | Very  | Somewhat  | concerned  | concerned  | 64%  | 25%  | % of adults who say the increasing use of these technologies  | has had on politics  | a good  | No  | a bad  | influence  | influence  | influence  | Mobile phones  | 44%  | 18%  | 29%  | The internet  | 44  | 17  | 28  | Note: Percentages are 11-country medians  | Source: Mobile Technology and Its Social Impact Survey  | 2018. Q13Aa, Q14Ab, Q14Bb, Q19c  | a Mobile Connectivity in Emerging Economies  | PEW RESEARCH CENTER 