A majority say standing up for truth matters more than empathy

Mar 6–16, 2026 · n = 1,000 · MoE ±3.5%Source report ↗

Core finding

More than half of Americans (56%) think standing up for truth matters more than showing empathy, including 22% who feel that way strongly, according to a March 2026 Verasight survey.

Another 30% are neutral, and 14% disagree.

Topline scale

A majority say standing up for truth matters more than empathy.

Standing up for truth is more important than having empathy.

Agree
34.0%
Neither agree nor disagree
29.6%
Strongly agree
22.3%
Disagree
11.8%
Strongly disagree
2.3%

n = 1,000 · Mar 6–16, 2026 · MoE ±3.5%

Net findings combine adjacent response options from the same scale.
ModeVerasight panel recruited via random address-based sampling, random person-to-person text messaging, and dynamic online targeting
PopulationUS adults age 18+
Field datesMar 6–16, 2026
Base (unweighted)1,000
Margin of error±3.5%
ModuleModule 5: Health, Community, & Personal Values
SponsorVerasight
Weight variableweight
Weighting targetsage, race/ethnicity, sex, income, education, region, metropolitan status

Sources

  1. 01

    Standing up for truth is more important than having empathy.

    reports.verasight.io/r/omnibus-2026-044

Cite this question

Verasight Client Omnibus Survey #2026-044, fielded March 6-16, 2026, N=1,000 US adults age 18+, +/- 3.5%.