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Do Most People Believe in Extraterrestrial Life?

Last Modified Date: February 18, 2024

If you believe we're not alone in the universe, then you're definitely not alone in thinking that way.

According to the Pew Research Center, nearly two-thirds of Americans believe in the existence of extraterrestrials. The survey was conducted shortly before the U.S. government released an unprecedented amount of intelligence on unidentified flying objects in 2021. Just over 50 percent of survey respondents say they consider military reports of UFOs to "probably" or "definitely" be proof of life beyond Earth.

According to a recent Pew Research Center survey, nearly two-thirds of Americans think that extraterrestrials exist.

The survey of 10,417 adults also found that 87 percent of respondents felt that such sightings are in no way a threat to national security. Only one out of 10 believed that there is a serious UFO threat. Similarly, 17 percent of respondents said that they think UFOs are friendly, 74 percent said they believe they are neutral, and 7 percent said they are probably unfriendly. The belief in intelligent life beyond Earth was most widespread among younger respondents and men; there was little difference among people based on race or education level.

Did you see that?

Project Blue Book was a U.S. program from 1947 to 1969 that was meant to investigate every claim of UFO sightings.

In 1961, Barney and Betty Hill became the first people to have their report of being abducted by aliens made public.

The term "flying saucer" originated in a 1947 newspaper story in which aviator Kenneth Arnold said he spotted nine objects flying near Mt. Rainier, Washington.