Many Americans feel down about society today
Core finding
Most Americans take a dim view of society today. Seven-in-ten (70%) describe it as at least somewhat bad, including 16% who call it very bad, according to a May 2026 Verasight survey.
A smaller share (22%) see it as at least somewhat good, including just 2% who call it very good, while 9% say it is neither good nor bad.
Topline distribution
Many Americans feel down about society today.
All things considered, society today is...
n = 1,000 · May 11, 2026 · MoE ±3.3%
Methodology
Full 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 | May 11, 2026 |
| Base (unweighted) | 1,000 |
| Margin of error | ±3.3% |
| Module | society |
| Sponsor | Verasight |
| Weight variable | weight |
| Weighting targets | age, race/ethnicity, sex, income, education, region, metropolitan status |
Sources
- reports.verasight.io/r/spsp26
All things considered, society today is...
Cite this question
Verasight SPSP Omnibus Survey #2026-045, fielded May 11-11, 2026, N=1,000 US adults age 18+, +/- 3.3%.