Gen Z's National Outlook — Cynicism, Fluidity, and Civic Energy

Over the past three years, Murmuration, in partnership with SocialSphere, has conducted numerous town halls, focus groups, and nationally representative surveys among Gen Z Americans (ages 18-28) to explore their attitudes, perspectives, and behaviors related to civic life. Gen Z is still forming its political identity in a volatile era. While they report disillusionment with national leadership and wariness about the country’s trajectory, this generation is not apathetic. In fact, they are civically energized, reimagining how change happens and where their voice matters. To understand this generation, we have to look at how disillusionment and motivation coexist—and how skepticism about traditional politics is pushing them toward new forms of engagement. These forces are deeply intertwined, shaping not just what Gen Z believes, but how they act. This report presents new insights from a nationally representative survey conducted from March 10 to 18, 2025, along with findings from six focus groups conducted with registered Gen Z voters in February 2024.

Key Takeaways

• Gen Z is Deeply Pessimistic about the Nation's Future.
  

• They vote at high rates but remain politically unanchored.