Apocalypse now? End-of-world beliefs shape Americans' response to global threats (socialecology.uci.edu)

A recent study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology reveals that beliefs in apocalyptic scenarios significantly shape the way Americans respond to global threats, including climate change, pandemics, and technological advancements. Lead author Matthew I. Billet from UC Irvine indicates that approximately one-third of surveyed Americans believe in an imminent end to the world. This widespread apocalyptic thinking, often influenced by cultural and religious contexts, can lead to vastly different attitudes toward critical issues, such as whether human actions or divine forces are seen as responsible for potential catastrophes. The research identified five key dimensions of end-of-world beliefs—perceived closeness, anthropogenic and theogenic causality, personal control, and emotional valence—and demonstrated that these beliefs affect risk perception and action. For instance, those who attribute impending doom to human actions are more likely to support aggressive policies against climate change, while those who see divine forces as the determining factor may resist such measures. This study highlights the need for policymakers to understand these beliefs to foster cooperation and effective action in addressing existential threats, emphasizing the importance of cultural narratives in shaping collective responses to crises such as climate change and artificial intelligence risks.