Fear has become a defining feature of American life—at least that's the case according to a new Chapman University survey. Not only are people reportedly afraid of more things than in the past, but the intensity of those fears is also rising.
But the researchers also point out that while many anxieties reflect real issues, perception often overshadows reality; fear of crime, for instance, has grown even as crime rates have steadily fallen. Indeed, in an age of nonstop information and commentary designed to stir emotion, understanding how fear works is key to separating what feels threatening from what truly is.
Intrigued? Click through the following gallery to see what Americans fear most, and how those fears have evolved.