It seems that researchers and political figureheads are still trying to decipher the Gen Z playbook. Now that it’s been several months since the 2024 presidential election, the low voter turnout for younger Americans aged 18-29 is concerning not only to electoral stakeholders, but to the functioning of democratic processes in America. So what exactly is motivating these Gen Z voter patterns and political sentiments? 

Insights from the Pew Research Center reveal that younger voters tend to be more partisan-leaning—that is, they don’t identify strongly with a specific party, unlike a majority of older voters. This is something we have seen outside of the presidential election; Gen Z is perceived as skeptical of authority figures and not so easily swayed by typical advertising and campaigning methods, notorious for finding unity in their distrust of government and other institutional presences. And unlike our predecessors, this generation tends to have more vocal advocates for social justice, community building, and generally progressive ideals.

But it’s no secret that, regardless of perceived solidarity, Gen Z is lonely. 

It sounds like a contradiction to say Gen Z could be socially and emotionally disconnected when compared to previous generations, but think of it this way: virtual connection is a double-edged sword, given all the positives and negatives that come with having a digital footprint. In the present day, we are more capable of interacting with different cultures and perspectives on a global scale, and yet social media is a source of discontent and comparison—young adults especially are disillusioned by the highly curated feeds of out-of-touch influencers presenting unrealistic and unattainable lifestyles.

To add to the frustration, our problems don’t only stem from excessive screen time or technological turmoils. Gen Z and Millennials have lived through one turbulent societal hardship after another—an unhealthy mix of economic instability, global pandemics, political conflicts, mass shootings, and more. The economy has been a primary concern in young American voters’ minds as they are forced to delay major lifetime milestones like moving out, home ownership, and starting families of their own. According to a survey conducted by NBC News, 56% of young voters believe the national economy has worsened, with inflation and personal finances making a definitive influence on election outcomes. 

One of the arguments made to defend younger voters falling into the alt-right pipeline, especially Gen Z men who have shifted to the right politically, is that of disenfranchisement—depriving someone of a legal right or privilege, as per Merriam-Webster. As social settings have grown to be more inclusive of underrepresented demographics over the past few decades, men (who have historically been more empowered and who benefit the most from said power dynamics) may especially feel left out of the mix. So when it comes to Trump and his increased supportthe increase in support for him from Gen Z voters, it would undeniably be easy to understand turning to a charismatic, polarizing personality that validates you and recenters you in the political conversation. And you don’t even have to go as far as Andrew Tate to see misogynistic or any type of -phobic talking points around. Seemingly innocent homestead and simple living accounts often conceal their support for right-leaning ideology behind sourdough recipes and 1950s aesthetics that may attract young women who are tired of the “girlboss” culture, and dozens of podcasts spew out bigoted content for a growing base (that skews male, young, uneducated, and disillusioned with their place in society).

Indoctrination doesn’t always happen overtly. It can begin with promises and reminiscing over the “good old days” you’ve never experienced, with the false sense of security you may receive from finding like-minded people. But it’s important to keep in mind that many of the “political” issues that end up on a ballot or on the news are not just legislative measures and headlines, but that they affect real people negatively, usually the most marginalized and underrepresented individuals.

Given the times we are living in, it seems easy to try and find the easy way out of the political conversation—after all, Gen Z’s nihilism is one of our defining traits. But we can’t allow our privilege or exhaustion to make us stagnate, or to get in the way of mobilization towards actionable change. Shying away from societal issues only serves to heighten the interests of the powerful few, leaving behind the vulnerable, immunocompromised, and persecuted. And with conversations to be had about everything to come with Project 2025, it’s more important than ever that we don’t just remain neutral on the sidelines—or let it become a Gen Z trend.