Apocalyptic Beliefs Now Mainstream, Influencing Global Threat Response

New research finds end-of-world thinking is surprisingly common and impacting how people interpret and respond to major threats.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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A new study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology has found that apocalyptic thinking is no longer confined to the fringes of society, with nearly one-third of Americans surveyed believing the world will end within their lifetime. The research, conducted by a team of psychologists, reveals that these beliefs are significantly influencing how people perceive and respond to global risks like climate change, pandemics, and emerging technologies.

Why it matters

The study's findings are particularly concerning as global coordination is essential to addressing existential threats facing humanity. Differing apocalyptic narratives can create disagreements across cultural groups, making it difficult to build consensus around policies to tackle issues like climate change, AI safety, and pandemic preparedness. Understanding these beliefs is crucial for effective communication and policymaking in an increasingly divided society.

The details

The research draws on surveys of more than 3,400 people in the U.S. and Canada. The study identified five key dimensions of apocalyptic thinking: perceived closeness of the end, whether humans or divine/supernatural forces will cause it, personal control over the outcome, and whether the end will be good or bad. The researchers found that those who believed the end is near and that humans are causing it perceived greater risk and supported more extreme action, while those who believed divine forces control the apocalypse were less likely to support preventive measures.

  • The research was published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology in 2026.

The players

Dr. Matthew I. Billet

The lead author of the study, who conducted the research as a PhD candidate at the University of British Columbia's psychology department and is now a postdoctoral scholar at the University of California, Irvine.

Dr. Azim Shariff

A co-author of the study and a professor at the University of British Columbia.

Dr. Ara Norenzayan

A co-author of the study and a professor at the University of British Columbia.

Dr. Cindel J.M. White

A co-author of the study and a professor at York University.

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What they’re saying

“Belief in the end of the world is surprisingly common across North America, and it's significantly influencing how people interpret and respond to the most pressing threats facing humanity.”

— Dr. Matthew I. Billet, Lead author of the study (Mirage News)

“Different narratives people believe about the end of the world can lead to very different responses to societal issues. Someone who believes humans are causing the apocalypse through climate change will respond very differently to environmental policy than someone who believes the end times are controlled by divine prophecy.”

— Dr. Matthew I. Billet, Lead author of the study (Mirage News)

“Whether or not any particular apocalyptic narrative is accurate, they are still consequential for how populations confront concrete risks. If we want to build consensus around addressing climate change, AI safety or pandemic preparedness, we need to understand how different communities are interpreting these threats through their own cultural lenses. In a world facing genuine catastrophic risks, that understanding has never been more important.”

— Dr. Matthew I. Billet, Lead author of the study (Mirage News)

The takeaway

This research highlights the need for policymakers and communicators to understand the role of apocalyptic beliefs in shaping how people perceive and respond to global threats. By acknowledging these deeply held worldviews, we can work to build more effective and inclusive strategies to address the pressing challenges facing humanity.