Most Americans believe intelligent life exists on other planets. One in five think these beings have already made contact with us. For those skeptical, many still expect such contact in the future.
Public Reaction to Potential Contact
If extraterrestrial encounters were to occur on Earth, Americans show more fascination than fear, though there is some unease. The release of UFO files by the government has led some to believe we’ve been visited by alien life. This belief is stronger among those who’ve viewed the UFO videos.
A significant majority, eight in 10, believe the government knows more about UFOs than it reveals. Public belief in intelligent life has grown since 2010, with increased acceptance across different demographics.
Curiosity and Anxiety
People report they would be more curious than scared about meeting extraterrestrials, yet the prospect also causes anxiety. More would feel nervous rather than calm about such encounters.
UFO Sightings
Seventeen percent of Americans claim to have seen something they believe was a UFO. This figure matches trends from recent Gallup polling but is higher than data from the 1970s. Men report more sightings than women.
Those who’ve seen a UFO-like sighting are more likely to believe in intelligent life. Most would be curious, nervous, but also excited about meeting such beings.
Cause of UFO Reports
Americans are divided on UFO reports being alien spacecrafts or natural phenomena from Earth. Believers in extraterrestrial life often think UFOs are visiting spacecrafts, while skeptics attribute sightings to terrestrial causes.
Most have heard about the government’s release of Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena files. Four in 10 have viewed related videos, and three in 10 report a higher likelihood of believing in alien visits due to this material. This belief is stronger among video watchers.
Trust in Government Disclosure
Despite varied beliefs, a majority thinks the U.S. government holds back information on UFOs. This consensus includes those who believe and don’t believe in extraterrestrial life, spanning across political affiliations.
The CBS News/YouGov survey included 2,023 U.S. adults interviewed from June 2-4, 2026. The sample represents nationwide demographics according to gender, age, race, and education. The margin of error is ±2.8 points.