America’s Youth
Surveying
America’s Youth
GenNext (ages 18-25) is the only survey of young Americans that’s conceived and conducted by young Americans. This unique design provides us all with insight into how young Americans feel and think about their present and future.
Adult members of Gen Z (18-29) are more concerned about climate change than any other generation.
85% of Gen Z are “very” or “somewhat” concerned versus 78% of Millennials, 60% of Gen X, 59% of Boomers, and 63% of the Silent/Greatest.
Younger Americans are much more likely to say humans are causing climate change than older generations.
66% of Gen Z and 65% of Millennials say climate change is mostly human caused, while 47% of Gen X, 48% of Boomers, and 47% of the Silent/Greatest generation agree.
Student Resarcher: Elizabeth Fenton
Marist Poll Advisor: Daniela Charter
Gen Z is more conservative about marijuana than Millennials in several ways.
53% of Gen Z say marijuana is “addictive” or is “addictive and leads to other drug use.” This compares with 43% of Millennials, 44% of Gen X, and 48% of Boomers who say the same. Only members of the Silent/Greatest generation are more conservative, with 68% saying the same.
Younger generations favor legalization more than older Americans, but Gen Z favors some limitations more than Millennials.
Just 7% of Gen Z and 6% of Millennials believe it should NOT be legalized nationally, versus 16% of Gen X, 22% of Boomers, and 36% of the Silent/Greatest generation. But, 66% of Gen Z, compared with 74% of Millennials, think it should be legal for both medical and recreational use.
Student Resarcher: Neel Viswanathan
Marist Poll Advisor: Daniela Charter
Gen Z views healthcare coverage as a government responsibility more than their elders.
86% of Gen Z say it’s the responsibility of the federal government to make sure all Americans have healthcare coverage. 76% of Millennials, 60% of Gen X, 51% of Boomers, and 55% of the Silent/Greatest generation hold this opinion.
Few Gen Z members think government should NOT provide healthcare coverage under any circumstances.
When asked if the federal government should provide coverage for all, only for those who can’t afford it, or not at all, just 9% of Gen Z say the government should provide no coverage. 12% of Millennials, 18% of Gen X, 22% of Boomers agree, and 19% of the Silent/Greatest generation agree.
Student Resarcher: Lara Vasquez
Marist Poll Advisor: Daniela Charter
