Gen Z embraces 'psychic' intuition—while others question their gut feelings
A new survey reveals that many Americans trust their gut feelings in daily life. The study by Talker Research found that 71 percent rely on intuition at least occasionally. Younger generations, particularly Gen Z, report frequent 'psychic' moments—around two per month on average.
The findings show that 30 to 33 percent of Gen Z believe they possess strong intuitive or 'psychic' abilities. These moments often involve sensing when something is wrong (33 percent), detecting dishonesty (28 percent), or knowing when to leave a situation (26 percent). However, most in this age group describe their experiences as simple instincts rather than anything mystical.
Different generations approach intuition in distinct ways. Gen X respondents were most likely to predict outcomes, while Millennials linked their instincts to dreams. Gen Z shared similar dating intuition to Millennials, with 25 percent of all respondents having a bad feeling before an event occurred and 24 percent thinking of someone before being contacted. Despite this reliance, 35 percent of those surveyed struggled to distinguish between gut feelings and anxiety. Adam Dickinson, a former FBI intelligence analyst, explains that intuition stems from the brain recognising patterns based on past experiences. Social trends and technology, including AI and constant online activity, also shape how people perceive and trust their instincts.
The survey highlights a strong belief in intuition across age groups, though doubts remain about its reliability. With Gen Z reporting frequent intuitive moments, the findings suggest these instincts play a regular role in decision-making. Technology and social habits continue to influence how people interpret their gut feelings.