Most Americans Failed This Digital Literacy Test. Would You? A Pew survey found that most US respondents could answer fewer than half the questions when quizzed on technology issues.

By Carol Mangis

This story originally appeared on PCMag

Towfiqu Photography | Getty Images

When it comes to digital knowledge, most Americans need to do more homework. (Or maybe we're just bad at taking tests?)

In a recent study conducted by the Pew Research Center, respondents answered 10 questions on a range of technical topics, including cybersecurity, privacy, and social media companies. Most of us know about phishing and cookie, but just 28 percent could identify an example of two-factor authentication, and nearly half weren't sure what private browsing is. The median number of correct answers was four; only 2 percent aced the quiz with 10 correct answers.

Related: Govt Should Undertake Empowerment of Citizens through Digital Literacy Programs

Granted, some of these topics can be challenging to keep up with—technology morphs at a lightning pace, and so do its dangers for individuals. But it's never been more important to maintain your awareness of new tech and its impact on the world—witness deepfakes, the rise of AI (for better or worse), election interference, and on and on. We humbly suggest you keep up on the tech news that matters by visiting PCMag.com early and often.

Wavy Line

Editor's Pick

A Father Decided to Change When He Was in Prison on His Son's Birthday. Now His Nonprofit Helps Formerly Incarcerated Applicants Land 6-Figure Jobs.
Lock
A Teen Turned His Roblox Side Hustle Into a Multimillion-Dollar Company — Now He's Working With Karlie Kloss and Elton John
Lock
3 Mundane Tasks You Should Automate to Save Your Brain for the Big Stuff
Lock
The Next Time Someone Intimidates You, Here's What You Should Do
5 Ways to Manage Your Mental Health and Regulate Your Nervous System for Sustainable Success

Related Topics

Business News

'Do You Hate Me?': High School Teacher Shares Wild Emails He Receives From Students

Jordan Baechler teaches high school students in Ontario, Canada.

Business News

Hedge Fund Pays NYC Interns $20,000 a Month on Average, Sent to Lavish Palm Beach Kickoff

Citadel is known for its over-the-top parties and company retreats.

Data & Recovery

This Father's Day, Give the Gift of No More Low Storage Warnings

Save 85% on 1TB of cloud storage for Father's Day.

Starting a Business

Starting a New Business? Here's How to Leverage Transferable Skills From Your Prior Careers and Drive Success

Launching your own business can be daunting, but when you harness the skills from past jobs, there are a variety of things you must ask yourself. Here are three recipes for success using your prior experiences.