# Many Americans feel as optimistic as they did a year ago

Canonical page: https://data.verasight.io/culture/many-americans-feel-as-optimistic-as-they-did-a-year-ago/

> Indexed question in Culture.

## Reading

A plurality of Americans feel no more or less hopeful than they did a year ago. About three-in-ten (31%) say they are equally as optimistic about the future as a year ago, according to a November 2025 Verasight survey.

Overall, 40% of Americans feel less optimistic than a year ago, including 14% who feel a lot less, while 28% feel more optimistic, including 9% a lot more, so the shift tilts negative.

## Topline

Compared to one year ago, how optimistic are you about the future?

Many Americans feel as optimistic as they did a year ago.

- Equally as optimistic: 31.4%
- Less optimistic: 25.9%
- More optimistic: 19.6%
- A lot less optimistic: 14.2%
- A lot more optimistic: 8.8%

## Methodology

- Mode: Verasight panel recruited via random address-based sampling, random person-to-person text messaging, and dynamic online targeting
- Population: US adults age 18+
- Field dates: 2025-11-14 → 2025-11-20
- Base (unweighted): 1,000
- Margin of error: +/- 3.2%
- Module: Module 3
- Sponsor: Verasight
- Weight variable: weight
- Weighting targets: age, race/ethnicity, sex, income, education, region, metropolitan status

## Source

- Canonical question URL: [https://reports.verasight.io/r/verasight-apha-2025#optimism-about-the-future](https://reports.verasight.io/r/verasight-apha-2025#optimism-about-the-future)

## Citation

Verasight APHA Omnibus Survey #2025-148, fielded November 14-20, 2025, N=1,000 US adults age 18+, +/- 3.2%.

Canonical question URL: [https://reports.verasight.io/r/verasight-apha-2025#optimism-about-the-future](https://reports.verasight.io/r/verasight-apha-2025#optimism-about-the-future)