Gen Z's Economic Insecurity Fuels Record Anxiety and Distrust

A long-running poll conducted by the Harvard Kennedy School has revealed a disquieting conclusion about Gen Z's anxiety and distrust. The 51st edition of the Harvard Youth Poll, considered the gold standard by many, found that a generation defined by economic insecurity, deep anxiety about the future, and a corrosive distrust of the institutions that are supposed to help them thrive. According to the survey of 2,040 young people, ages 18 to 29, more than four in 10 (43%) say they are struggling to make ends meet, with 61% of respondents reporting that they are living paycheck to paycheck. This economic insecurity has led to deep anxiety about the future, with 71% of young Americans saying they are worried about their financial stability. The survey also found that a clear majority of young people, 57%, believe that the country is on the wrong track, while only 14% think it is headed in the right direction. "This generation is facing a perfect storm of economic insecurity, social isolation, and institutional distrust," said Stephen Ansolabehere, director of the Harvard Kennedy School's Institute of Politics. "The data suggests that young people are feeling increasingly disconnected from the institutions that are supposed to support them, and that's having a profound impact on their mental health and well-being." The survey's findings are not surprising, given the economic realities faced by many young people. The cost of living continues to rise, with housing costs, in particular, becoming increasingly unaffordable. According to the survey, 62% of young people say that housing costs are a major concern, while 55% say that student loan debt is a significant burden. The Harvard Youth Poll has been tracking the attitudes and opinions of young people for over 50 years, and the current results are a stark departure from previous generations. In the 1960s and 1970s, young people were optimistic about the future and confident in the institutions that governed their lives. Today, however, that confidence is largely gone. "This is a generation that is growing up in a world of uncertainty and instability," said Ansolabehere. "They're facing a future that is increasingly precarious, and that's having a profound impact on their worldview and their sense of purpose." The implications of the survey's findings are far-reaching and have significant implications for society. As young people become increasingly disconnected from the institutions that are supposed to support them, it's likely that social cohesion and trust in government will continue to erode. This, in turn, could have serious consequences for the country's economic and social stability. In response to the survey's findings, some experts are calling for a renewed focus on economic development and social welfare programs that support young people. "We need to create a more equitable and sustainable economy that works for everyone, not just the wealthy and well-connected," said Robert Putnam, a Harvard professor and expert on social capital. The Harvard Youth Poll is a valuable resource for policymakers and researchers seeking to understand the attitudes and opinions of young people. As the survey continues to track the attitudes and opinions of Gen Z, it's likely that we'll see a continued decline in trust and confidence in institutions. However, it's also possible that this generation will find new ways to organize and mobilize around their concerns, leading to a more just and equitable society. The Harvard Youth Poll is a quarterly survey that has been conducted since 1970. The 51st edition of the poll was released in the fall of 2022, and it surveyed 2,040 young people, ages 18 to 29. The survey was conducted online and by phone, and it has a margin of error of plus or minus 2.2 percentage points.