Seven in ten say animals, nature, or robots can experience feelings
Core finding
Feelings aren't seen as strictly human: 68% of Americans agree that non-human entities such as animals, nature, or robots can experience them, including 24% who strongly agree, according to a May 2026 Verasight survey.
One-in-five (20%) are neutral. Disagreement is comparatively rare at 12%, including just 4% who strongly disagree.
Topline scale
Seven in ten say animals, nature, or robots can experience feelings.
To what extent, do you agree or disagree that non-human entities (e.g., animals, nature, or robots) experience feelings?
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 | politics |
| Sponsor | Verasight |
| Weight variable | weight |
| Weighting targets | age, race/ethnicity, sex, income, education, region, metropolitan status |
Sources
- reports.verasight.io/r/spsp26
To what extent, do you agree or disagree that non-human entities (e.g., animals, nature, or robots) experience feelings?
Cite this question
Verasight SPSP Omnibus Survey #2026-045, fielded May 11-11, 2026, N=1,000 US adults age 18+, +/- 3.3%.