# Most say being told they have to do something puts them off, even tasks they don't mind

Canonical page: https://data.verasight.io/culture/most-say-being-told-they-have-to-do-something-puts-them-off-even-tasks-they-dont-mind/

> Indexed question in Culture.

## Reading

Verasight surveyed 1,000 U.S. adults from September 25 to 30, 2026. For a task they'd otherwise be fine doing, 81.4% of Americans say being told they have to do it would make them less willing, including 20.5% who wouldn't want to do it at all. Just 7.8% say it makes no difference.

Much less willing accounts for 23.7%, somewhat less 22.5% and a little less 14.7%. Another 10.8% don't know.

## Topline

How does that change how willing you are to do it?

Most say being told they have to do something puts them off, even tasks they don't mind.

- Much less willing: 23.7%
- Somewhat less willing: 22.5%
- It would make me not want to do it all.: 20.5%
- A little less willing: 14.7%
- I don’t know: 10.8%
- Not at all — I would do it just the same: 7.8%

## 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: 2026-09-25 → 2026-09-30
- Base (unweighted): 1,000
- Margin of error: +/- 3.4%
- Module: Technology, Security, and Global Affairs
- 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/2026-153-apsa-omnibus-report#q-153](https://reports.verasight.io/r/2026-153-apsa-omnibus-report#q-153)

## Citation

APSA Omnibus Survey #2026-153, fielded September 25-30, 2026, N=1,000 US adults age 18+, +/- 3.4%.

Canonical question URL: [https://reports.verasight.io/r/2026-153-apsa-omnibus-report#q-153](https://reports.verasight.io/r/2026-153-apsa-omnibus-report#q-153)