The Public Religion Research Institute analyzed how Generation Z (Gen Z) brings their values and viewpoints on political, social, and cultural issues into their communities, workplaces, and the greater U.S. political landscape.
An online survey of 6,616 U.S. participants aged 13-25 years old was conducted from Aug. 21 – Sept. 15, 2023. Respondents were put into two different groups for data analysis: Gen Z teens (13-17 years old) and Gen Z adults (18-25 years old).
Key findings include:
1.) 41% of Gen Z adults trusted the federal government some or a great deal, compared to roughly half of all American adults (49%).
— Gen Z adults (53%) were also far less trusting of the police compared to most Americans (70%).
2.) Gen Z adults (65%) were more likely than Gen Z teens (59%) to agree with the statement: “The country has failed to prepare younger people with skills to get good-paying jobs.”
3.) Gen Z teens (40%) and Gen Z adults (37%) said they trust news organizations.
— Among Gen Z adults, Democrats (50%) said they trust news organizations some or a great deal, followed by Independents (31%) and Republicans (28%).
4.) When it comes to taking action on social issues, Gen Z adults said they have done the following:
— Signed an online petition (36%)
— Posted on social media about an issue that matters to them (32%)
— Encouraged others to be politically active on social media (18%)
Read the full report here.
