50th Edition - Spring 2025
A new national poll from the Institute of Politics at Harvard Kennedy School reveals a generation navigating financial hardship, frayed social bonds, and declining trust in institutions. As the nation confronts generational turnover and a volatile political climate, the 50th edition of the Harvard Youth Poll reveals what matters most to young Americans—and what they're losing faith in.Among the key findings: More than 4 in 10 young Americans under 30 say they're "barely getting by" financially, while just 16% report doing well or very well;Fewer than half feel a sense of community, with only 17% reporting deep social connection;Just 15% believe the country is heading in the right direction, and fewer than one-third approve of President Trump or either party in Congress;Traditional life goals are shifting, with only 48% of young Americans saying having children is important;Young people who became socially isolated during COVID report higher rates of depression, especially those who were entering high school or college during the pandemic;Support for U.S. involvement abroad remains low—and sharply divided by party;Only 19% trust the federal government to do the right thing most or all the time.Together, these findings paint a picture of a generation that feels disconnected from institutions, uncertain about the future, and skeptical that current leadership works in their interest.Since 2000, the Harvard Public Opinion Project has provided the most comprehensive look at young Americans' political opinions and voting trends. It provides essential insight into the concerns of young Americans at a time when the nation is confronting numerous challenges at home and abroad. President Kennedy once said, "It is a time for a new generation of leadership to cope with new problems and new opportunities." The IOP is preparing a new generation of political leaders to confront these very challenges and gain the ability to successfully lead in today's complicated political landscape. Identifying areas of concern through the Harvard Youth Poll lets tomorrow's political leaders get started on ideas, strategies, and solutions and allows them to decide today what the next generation of political leadership needs to look like.The Spring 2025 Harvard Youth Poll surveyed 2,096 young Americans between 18 and 29 years old nationwide and was conducted between March 14-25, 2025."From significant economic concerns to dramatic feelings of social isolation, and from growing mental health challenges to mounting distrust in the government and both parties, young Americans have apprehensions about what would have seemed unimaginable just a few short years ago," said IOP Director Setti Warren. "These findings are a stark reality check and leaders across the country would be wise to pay close attention.""This is a generation that's weathered pandemic isolation during formative years, entered an unstable economy, and faced skyrocketing housing and education costs—all while being told they're not resilient enough," said John Della Volpe, Director of Polling at the Institute of Politics. "What Gen Z needs isn't another lecture, but genuine recognition of their struggles and leaders willing to listen before they speak.""Amid financial hardship and a devastating crisis of community, young Americans are increasingly disillusioned with the world as they struggle to find their place in it," said Jordan Schwartz, Student Chair of the Harvard Public Opinion Project. "This generation doesn't expect politics to solve their problems, but as young Americans continue to lose faith in government institutions, the need for politicians to listen to and learn from young people has never been greater."Ten key findings from the 50th poll in the biannual series are below.
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