America’s Youth
Surveying
America’s Youth
GenNext 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.
In an era of political and financial uncertainty, generational divides are apparent across the topics of work, technology, social media, mental health, and lifestyle. Members of Gen Z are far more worried about the state of the job market than their older counterparts. Although Millennials are slightly more optimistic than other generations about the financial well-being of future generations, it’s the perceptions of Gen Z and Baby Boomers that align, with majorities saying future generations will have a harder time making ends meet.
When thinking about the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on jobs, majorities within most generations view AI as having a mostly negative impact on employment. The exception is the Silent/Greatest Generation for whom a plurality perceives a detrimental effect of AI on jobs. Interestingly, Baby Boomers and the Silent/Greatest Generation are more likely than younger generations to think Artificial Intelligence will not impact jobs at all.
While Gen Z is most likely to view social media as having net benefits, most Americans back stricter regulation, with support increasing as Americans age. Views on sports betting are also split by age, as Gen Z, Millennials, and Gen X are far more likely than Baby Boomers and the Silent/Greatest Generation to support online or app-based sports betting.
Gen Z is most likely to worry about the current job market.
70% of Gen Z says that jobs are difficult to find right now compared to 58% of Millennials, 56% of Gen X, 47% of Baby Boomers, and 38% of the Silent/Greatest generation.
Gen Z and Baby Boomers align on the finances of future generations. 53% of Gen Z and 56% of Baby Boomers think future generations will be worse off financially. Other generations are more optimistic.
53% & 56%
Gen Z & Boomers: Future gens worse off financially
56% of Gen Z, 52% of Millennials, 56% of Gen X, and 59% of Baby Boomers perceive a mostly negative effect of AI on jobs. A plurality (42%) of the Silent/Greatest Generation agree. Boomers and members of the Silent/Greatest Generation are more likely to anticipate no effect.
AI’s Effect on Jobs
Majorities in most gens pessimistic
While still considered doing more harm than good, Gen Z and Millennials are more likely to believe social media has some benefits; majorities support regulations.
Majorities in every generation say social media, in general, does more harm than good: Gen Z (52%), Millennials (54%), Gen X (59%), Baby Boomers (66%), and the Silent/Greatest (57%).
MAJORITIES
Social media does more harm than good
Majorities in every generation think social media account holders should be 18 or older: Gen Z (60%), Millennials (64%), Gen X (60%), Boomers (59%), and the Silent/Greatest Generation (61%).
18+
Even six in ten in Gen Z favor 18+ rule on social media
Based on what they have heard about mental health and social media, at least 6 in 10 in all generations back stricter regulations on social media. Though, Gen Z is least supportive.
6 in 10
61% of Gen Z support stricter social media regulations
Gen Z, Millennials, & Gen X are more open to online and app-based sports betting than older generations.
Younger generations are more likely to favor online or app-based sports betting than older generations: Gen Z (67%), Millennials (67%), Gen X (63%), Boomers (36%), and Silent/Greatest (26%).
Place Your Bet?
67% of Gen Z vs. 26% Silent/Greatest support online betting
Gen Z (62%), Millennials (68%), and Gen X (60%) are much more favorable toward allowing advertisements for sports betting during games than Boomers (31%) and the Silent/Greatest Generation (26%).
62%
Gen Z gives thumbs up to betting ads during games
More than a quarter of Gen Z (26%) and Millennials (27%) believe that there should be a federal law making it legal to bet on sports everywhere in the U.S. Fewer in Gen X (22%), Baby Boomers (11%), and the Silent/Greatest Generation (10%) agree.
MORE THAN A QUARTER
Student Researchers: Natalie Bernal, Sky Charter, Camden Carr, Spencer Crum, Tommy Galvin, Oliver Dunn, Matthew Jones, Thomas Finegan, Samuel Herbert, Ethan Solury, Sheridan Speight, Charlene Mutia, and Eugene Donovan
Marist Poll Advisors: Stephanie Calvano, Daniela Charter, Dr. Lee M. Miringoff
Previous Results
What is GenNext?
GenNext is an innovative research project from the Marist Institute for Public Opinion that captures the opinions of young Americans to illuminate the issues and topics that motivate, inspire, and excite America’s next generation of leaders.
And here’s the twist – student researchers mount each survey from start to finish. Working alongside professionals at the Marist Poll, Marist students determine what to ask and how to ask it.
In doing so, they learn best practices for measuring public opinion, including information and data fluency, identifying topics, writing scientifically rigorous questionnaires, and collecting, analyzing, and reporting the results of the survey to the public.