This Halloween, Americans’ worries go beyond haunted houses and ghosts. The Chapman University Survey of American Fears reveals that Americans' deepest anxieties are rooted in real-world concerns rather than supernatural ones.
The researchers surveyed 1,015 American adults about a wide range of common fears, spanning everything from sharks and heights to identity theft.
The survey aims to provide an in-depth look at the most common fears across the country and explore how these anxieties affect daily life, decision-making, and emotional well-being. Lead researcher Dr. Christopher Bader, Chair and Professor of Sociology at Chapman, emphasizes the importance of understanding these fears in context: "Understanding what we’re afraid of isn’t about stoking anxiety, it’s about putting those fears into context."
For the tenth consecutive year, the fear of corrupt government officials tops the list, with 69.1 percent of respondents expressing fear or strong fear of political corruption. Other significant fears include loved ones becoming seriously ill (58.9 percent), economic or financial collapse (58.2 percent), cyberterrorism (55.9 percent), and the death of loved ones (55.3 percent).
Interestingly, while many of these fears seem legitimate, researchers note that others are amplified by scare-mongering internet and media outlets. Dr. Bader points out, "Often, the events that capture the most media and social media attention are rare and unusual. But because they’re highlighted so vividly and so often, they can feel like daily threats. Recognizing that difference helps us regain perspective and power over our own emotions."
According to New York Post website, the survey also highlights the impact of media and political discourse on public perception. Despite declining crime rates, fear of crime has been on the rise, a phenomenon attributed to sensational media coverage and political rhetoric. This trend underscores the need for a nuanced understanding of fear and its influence on societal behavior.
The researchers surveyed 1,015 American adults about a wide range of common fears, spanning everything from sharks and heights to identity theft.
The survey aims to provide an in-depth look at the most common fears across the country and explore how these anxieties affect daily life, decision-making, and emotional well-being. Lead researcher Dr. Christopher Bader, Chair and Professor of Sociology at Chapman, emphasizes the importance of understanding these fears in context: "Understanding what we’re afraid of isn’t about stoking anxiety, it’s about putting those fears into context."
For the tenth consecutive year, the fear of corrupt government officials tops the list, with 69.1 percent of respondents expressing fear or strong fear of political corruption. Other significant fears include loved ones becoming seriously ill (58.9 percent), economic or financial collapse (58.2 percent), cyberterrorism (55.9 percent), and the death of loved ones (55.3 percent).
Interestingly, while many of these fears seem legitimate, researchers note that others are amplified by scare-mongering internet and media outlets. Dr. Bader points out, "Often, the events that capture the most media and social media attention are rare and unusual. But because they’re highlighted so vividly and so often, they can feel like daily threats. Recognizing that difference helps us regain perspective and power over our own emotions."
According to New York Post website, the survey also highlights the impact of media and political discourse on public perception. Despite declining crime rates, fear of crime has been on the rise, a phenomenon attributed to sensational media coverage and political rhetoric. This trend underscores the need for a nuanced understanding of fear and its influence on societal behavior.
