A survey conducted in August 2026 by Talker Research revealed that 37% of 2,000 Americans believe in extraterrestrials more today than they did a few years ago. Among Generation Z, those aged 18 to 29, this belief is even stronger, with 54% expressing greater confidence in the existence of extraterrestrials. This is more than twice the percentage seen among baby boomers, the generation born between 1946 and 1964. The trend is not limited to the U.S. In France, young people are also more open to extraterrestrial theories. According to the Ifop survey, 19% of 18- to 24-year-olds in France believe the Egyptian pyramids were built by extraterrestrials, a figure three times higher than among older generations. This growing interest in extraterrestrial life can be partly attributed to the media environment in which today’s youth have grown up. Films, video games, television shows, and social media platforms like TikTok frequently feature extraterrestrials and unexplained phenomena. On social media, a single video of strange lights in the sky can quickly be interpreted as evidence of alien life. These posts are often shared, commented on, and recommended to users with similar interests, creating a cycle of reinforcement. This phenomenon is known as an echo chamber, where repeated exposure to similar ideas can make people believe they are seeing a pattern or evidence, even when the original claims are unverified or have alternative explanations. In the United States, the topic of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) has become an official concern. The Pentagon established a special office to study these phenomena and has released new images periodically. In December 2025 and January 2026, several videos showing mysterious aerial events observed by military personnel were made public. Some of these videos remain unexplained, but the Pentagon has emphasized that "unexplained" does not mean "extraterrestrial." The U.S. government has not found any evidence of alien technology. Despite this, in a country where many people distrust government institutions, the release of these videos and testimonies can fuel speculation that the government is hiding the truth. This skepticism, combined with the influence of social media and popular culture, continues to shape public opinion on the possibility of extraterrestrial life.