Everyday social interactions don't worry most Americans, but many admit to nerves before first dates and big speeches
Almost everyone, at one time or another, has felt the pangs of social anxiety. Accomplished and experienced actors can still feel queasy before taking the stage in front of a large audience, but some people's stomachs churn at the prospect of attending a social gathering where they only know one or two people - let alone facing the ordeal of giving a speech to a crowded room.
Research from YouGov shows, however, that most Americans regard themselves as socially confident. 21% of the public say that they're 'very confident', while 51% say that they're 'somewhat confident' socially. 26% say that they are either 'not very' or 'not at all' confident.
Younger Americans are more likely to say that they aren't socially confident with one-third of under-30s saying that they aren't socially confident compared to only 15% of over-65s.
Presented with a range of social situations, Americans tend to be most comfortable making new friends and most fearful of romance and speeches. Most Americans say that they are either 'not at all' or 'not very' nervous at the prospect of meeting a new friend for a drink (61%) or introducing themselves to someone at a gathering (53%). Three-quarters, however, say that they are 'very' or 'somewhat' nervous if they have to give a speech to a large group, while 69% say they feel the same about a first date and 63% say they are nervous about asking someone out.
In general men tend to be more socially confident than women. When it comes to giving a speech to a large group, for example, 54% of women say that they are 'very nervous' compared to 39% of men who say the same. Men (67%) are also more likely than women (52%) to say that they have given a speech to a large group of people before.
Full poll results can be found here and topline results and margin of error here.
