A new YouGov poll reveals how Americans view cannabis, artificial intelligence, pickleball, science, music and modern culture in 2026.
The definition of in America keeps changing, but one thing remains consistent — people still care about it, even when they claim they do not. A new national poll from YouGov shows Americans rank what’s cool in 2026, and the results reveal a fascinating snapshot of modern culture, trends, and generational attitudes.
According to the survey, 56% of Americans believe they are at least “somewhat cool,” while only 35% say they are not. Younger adults were far more likely to rate themselves as cool, with nearly two-thirds of Americans under 30 embracing the label.
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But the real intrigue came when YouGov asked Americans which activities, hobbies, and cultural trends are actually cool today. Surprisingly, traditional intellectual pursuits scored at the top. Science ranked as the coolest topic overall, with 87% of respondents saying it was “very” or “somewhat” cool. Outer space, reading books, watching movies, and classical music also scored remarkably high.
This may challenge the stereotype American culture only values flashy entertainment or viral trends. Instead, the poll suggests many Americans increasingly associate intelligence, curiosity, and creativity with social status and cultural appeal.
Marijuana, however, landed in an unusual middle ground.
Despite growing legalization and widespread cultural acceptance, only 35% of Americans described marijuana as cool. Yet many respondents believed other people viewed cannabis far more positively, with 58% assuming marijuana had broader cultural appeal.
This disconnect highlights how cannabis has evolved in public perception. Marijuana may no longer be viewed as rebellious or counterculture in the way it once was. As legalization expands and cannabis becomes normalized, it may actually lose some of the edgy reputation which once made it seem “cool” to younger audiences.
At the same time, Americans continue to support legalization in overwhelming numbers. Separate research from Pew Research Center found nearly nine in ten Americans support legal marijuana in some form, whether medical or recreational.
Other modern trends also produced mixed reactions.
Pickleball — one of the fastest-growing sports in America — has become highly recognizable, with over 90% of Americans aware of it. However, only about one-third actively view it positively or as culturally appealing. The sport’s popularity may stem more from accessibility and social connection than traditional coolness.
Country music continues to enjoy a strong cultural resurgence, particularly among younger listeners. Artists blending country with pop, rock, and hip-hop influences have helped push the genre back into mainstream relevance. While YouGov did not isolate country music specifically in its “cool” rankings, legendary country figures such as Willie Nelsonranked among the coolest celebrities in America.
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Artificial intelligence also occupies a complicated cultural position. AI is increasingly viewed as futuristic and useful, but many Americans remain cautious about its influence on jobs, creativity, and privacy. Studies on public opinion toward AI show Americans often describe the technology as exciting and innovative, while simultaneously expressing anxiety about its long-term impact.
The YouGov poll ultimately reveals modern coolness is no longer dominated by rebellion alone. Americans increasingly admire intelligence, authenticity, creativity, and self-confidence. Books, science, movies, and even math outranked marijuana, cryptocurrency, and sports betting in coolness ratings.
In today’s America, cool may be less about shock value and more about connection, curiosity, and individuality.
