Library

Reports: Social networks and memberships

Social Media and News Fact Sheet
Pew Research Center, September 2024
This study examines the use of social media sites as sources for news and current events. more info >

Exploring the Intersection of Civic, Social, and Community Health
Healthy Places by Design, May 2024, 2 pp.
Explores the elements and benefits of civic participation on communities and health, linking to a range of resources on topics such as social connection and community capital, strengthening civic infrastructure, and advancing community wellbeing. more info >

The Power of Parks to Strengthen Community: A Special Report
Trust for Public Land, May 2024, 18 pp.
This report focuses on the importance of parks as a neutral public gathering place where community members can meet, collaborate, and become empowered. It explores different approaches, programs, and partnerships which can foster connections in a community. more info >

More Than a Feeling: How Social Connection Protects Health in Later Life
Population Reference Bureau, February 2024, 4 pp.
This brief explores recent research on social connection and health supported by the National Institute on Aging. The findings show how social ties bolster health—from slowing aging and boosting cancer-fighting hormones to preventing depression and protecting memory. This evidence can inform interventions to support longer and healthier lives for older Americans. more info >

Americans' Social Media Use
Pew Research Center, January 2024, 15 pp.
National figures on social media use, including an overview of demographics and changes over time. more info >

The Civic Health Index 2021
National Conference on Citizenship, February 2022, 36 pp.
Looks at civic health trends across four broad categories: political and civic engagement, group affiliation, social comity, and information and knowledge. more info >

WE-Making: How Arts & Culture Unite People to Work Toward Community Well-Being
Metis Consulting, April 2021, 33 pp.
This report examines how place-based arts and cultural practices, or creative placemaking, can help grow social cohesion to encourage community well-being, calling on funders to invest in community-organizing efforts in the arts, health, and community development and to promote policies that are intentional in supporting social cohesion. more info >

Community Ties: Understanding what attaches people to the place where they live
John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, May 2020, 44 pp.
To understand what attaches people to the places they live, this study surveyed over 11,000 Americans living in 26 metro areas throughout the United States where Knight Foundation works. more info >