Americans’ Beliefs on Extraterrestrial Life and UFOs
Most Americans believe intelligent life exists beyond Earth, with one in five convinced that contact has already occurred. For those who are skeptical, many still anticipate future contact. If such encounters happen on Earth, curiosity is expected to outweigh fear, though some apprehension will remain.
Recent government releases of UFO files have fueled public speculation that extraterrestrials have visited Earth, particularly among those who viewed the related videos. A significant majority suspect that the government holds undisclosed information on UFOs. The belief in intelligent life on other planets has grown over recent years. In 2010, fewer than half of Americans held this belief, whereas now, more individuals across different demographics do.
When asked about their reactions to meeting aliens, most say they would be intrigued rather than frightened. However, nerves are likely to accompany their curiosity.
UFO Sightings and Public Opinion
The debate over UFO visits continues. Seventeen percent of Americans claim to have seen a UFO. This aligns with recent Gallup polls and shows an increase compared to the 1970s. Men report more sightings than women do. Those who report sightings are more likely to believe in intelligent life and show curiosity, albeit mixed with nervous excitement, at meeting such beings.
Causes Behind UFO Reports
Opinions are divided on the causes behind UFO reports. Some attribute sightings to alien spacecraft, while others point to human or natural phenomena. Those who believe in intelligent life are more inclined to think that some reports stem from alien visits, unlike skeptics who lean towards earthly explanations.
A significant portion of the public is aware of the government’s disclosure of Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP) files. About 40% have watched the released videos, and 30% of those report increased belief in alien visits as a result. This belief rises among those who have viewed the videos.
Perceptions of Government Transparency
An overwhelming majority from both sides of the belief spectrum think the U.S. government is withholding information about UFOs. This sentiment is consistent across political affiliations, with most Democrats, Republicans, and independents doubting full disclosure from the government.
This analysis is based on a CBS News/YouGov survey conducted with 2,023 U.S. adults from June 2-4, 2026, designed to be representative of the national adult population. The margin of error is ±2.8 points. Previous CBS News polls from 1997, 2010, 2017, and 2021 informed these findings.