Story perspectives

One in Three Americans Fears Apocalypse in Lifetime

3/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

One in three Americans believes the world will end in their lifetime, per a US study by social psychologists.
The belief shapes attitudes toward global risks like climate change and war.
Participants aged around 50 from diverse backgrounds express views from human extinction to a transformative utopia.
Those who feel personally responsible for the apocalypse and expect a positive outcome are more likely to act against threats, the January 2026 pre-print finds.

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Story summary

One in three Americans believes the world will end in their lifetime, per a US study by social psychologists.
The belief shapes attitudes toward global risks like climate change and war.
Participants aged around 50 from diverse backgrounds express views from human extinction to a transformative utopia.
Those who feel personally responsible for the apocalypse and expect a positive outcome are more likely to act against threats, the January 2026 pre-print finds.