To Many Americans, UFOs Are Real and Have Visited Earth in Some Form
More than half (56 percent) of the American public think that UFOs are something real and not just in people's imagination. Nearly as many (48 percent) believe that UFOs have visited earth in some form.
Males are significantly more likely to believe in the reality of UFOs, as are those under the age of 65. A significant drop is witnessed in the percentage of believers among the 65+ age group.
In terms of their psychological profile, a majority of adults who hold the beliefs and opinions outlined below also fall into the category of UFO believers.
| Among adults who... | % Think UFOs are Real | % Believe UFOs Have Visited Earth |
|---|---|---|
| Believe government does not share enough information with the public | 60% | 54% |
| Believe government does not tell us everything about extraterrestrial life and UFOs | 70% | 62% |
| Are very/somewhat psychologically prepared for the discovery of extraterrestrial life | 63% | 55% |
| Believe in intelligent life | 73% | 65% |
| Are very/somewhat interested in an ET encounter | 72% | 65% |
| Believe in abductions | 93% | 90% |
| Have experienced (or know someone who experienced) a Close Encounter | 82% | 76% |
Humans Are Not the Only Form of Intelligent Life in the Universe
Two-thirds (67 percent) of adults think there are other forms of intelligent life in the universe. This belief tends to be more prevalent among males, adults ages 64 or younger, and residents of the Northeast as opposed to North Central and South.
Moreover, nearly half (45 percent) of adults believe intelligent life from other worlds has monitored life on earth. This belief is again held by a significantly higher percentage of males (50 percent vs. 40 percent of females) and of adults ages 64 or younger (49 percent vs. 28 percent of those over 65 years old). The belief is especially strong among 18-to-24-year-olds (59 percent).
The same patterns are evident when analyzing the belief that humans have already interacted with intelligent life from other worlds. While over one-third (37 percent) of all adults can be considered believers of this phenomenon, the percentage drops significantly among the 65+ age group (16 percent vs. 42 percent of 18-to-64-year-olds). Females are also less inclined to count themselves among the believers (33 percent vs. 40 percent of males).
Taken?
One in five Americans in general (21 percent) and more than half (57 percent) of those who say that humans have already interacted with extraterrestrial life believe that humans have ever been taken or abducted by other intelligent lifeforms.
Once again, differences of opinion exist between the genders and age groups.
A belief in extraterrestrial life and abductions by such lifeforms is more prevalent among those who feel the government is hiding relevant information; who are very psychologically prepared for a discovery and themselves very interested in an extraterrestrial encounter; and who already have personal experience with a Close Encounter.
| Among adults who... | % Think There Are Other Forms of Intelligent Life | % Believe in Abductions |
|---|---|---|
| Believe government does not tell us everything about extraterrestrial life and UFOs | 76% | 28% |
| Are very/somewhat psychologically prepared for the discovery of extraterrestrial life | 79% | 32% |
| Are very/somewhat interested in an ET encounter | 84% | 40% |
| Have experienced (or know someone who experienced) a Close Encounter | 83% | 47% |