Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World

Many Americans say they feel hopeful, happy when they think about the future


Many Americans say they feel hopeful, happy when they think about the future
Among U.S. adults (%)
Chart
Note: Those who did not answer are not shown.
Source: Question about optimism/pessimism comes from a survey of U.S. adults conducted April 6-12, 2026. Questions about hopefulness/happiness come from a survey of U.S. adults conducted July 8-Aug. 3, 2025.
PEW RESEARCH CENTER


Many Americans say they feel hopeful, happy when they think about the future
Among U.S. adults (%)
Question YesNo
When you think about the future, do you feel hopeful?68%31%
When you think about the future, do you feel happy?54%43%
Thinking about the future of the U.S., would you say you are …48%51%

Note: Those who did not answer are not shown.
Source: Question about optimism/pessimism comes from a survey of U.S. adults conducted April 6-12, 2026. Questions about hopefulness/happiness come from a survey of U.S. adults conducted July 8-Aug. 3, 2025.
PEW RESEARCH CENTER

Icon for promotion number 1

Sign up for our weekly newsletter

Fresh data delivered Saturday mornings

Thank you for subscribing!

Processing…