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4h ago

Harvard Youth Poll Finds Deep Pessimism, Economic Strain and AI Job Fears Among Americans Under 30

Harvard's fall survey of 18- to 29-year-olds points to economic strain driving distrust of institutions.

Students cheer during the 374th Harvard Commencement in Harvard Yard in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on May 29, 2025. US President Donald Trump is furious at Harvard for rejecting his administration's push for oversight on admissions and hiring, amid the president's claims the school is a hotbed of anti-Semitism and "woke" liberal ideology. (Photo by Rick Friedman / AFP) (Photo by RICK FRIEDMAN/AFP via Getty Images)
Gen Z is struggling to have faith in much of anything.
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Overview

  • A 57% majority of young adults say the country is on the wrong track, with just 13% saying it is headed in the right direction.
  • Economic anxiety is widespread, as 43% report struggling or getting by with limited financial security and only 30% expect to be better off than their parents, while 59% see AI as a threat to their job prospects.
  • Most respondents judge U.S. democracy to be in trouble or failed (64%), and approval is low for national leaders, including President Trump at 29% and congressional Democrats and Republicans at 27% and 26%.
  • Social trust is fraying, with only 35% believing political opponents want what is best for the country, 47% avoiding political conversations, and 39% saying political violence is acceptable under at least some circumstances.
  • Among registered voters under 30, 46% prefer Democratic control of Congress versus 29% for Republicans, signaling a Democratic advantage heading into 2026.