Over a third of Americans believe in ghosts and UFOs, Ipsos poll finds
A recent Ipsos poll reveals that over one-third of Americans believe in ghosts and UFOs. Men are more likely than women to believe in UFOs, while women are more likely to believe in ghosts.
Over one-third of Americans believe in ghosts and unidentified flying objects (UFOs), according to a new poll by Ipsos released in October 2021. The survey found that 36% of Americans believe in ghosts and 39% believe in UFOs, with slight increases in belief reported since October 2007.
The data indicates demographic differences in these beliefs. Men are more likely than women to believe in UFOs (43% vs. 35%), whereas women are more likely to believe in ghosts (41% vs. 32%) and spells or witchcraft (26% vs. 15%). Despite a significant belief in ghosts, only 24% of Americans claim to have actually seen or felt the presence of a ghost, with women reporting such experiences more frequently than men (28% vs. 19%).
Regarding Halloween, the poll found that approximately two-thirds of Americans (62%) celebrate the holiday. Women are more inclined to celebrate than men (67% vs. 55%). Popular celebration activities include decorating homes (39%), carving pumpkins (37%), and watching scary movies (36%).
The Ipsos poll surveyed 1,013 adults across the United States from October 15-18, 2021. The results are based on a nationally representative sample and include a margin of error.