PRINCETON, NJ — Nine in ten young people say they care deeply about their communities, yet the intensity and focus of Generation Z’s civic engagement differ significantly by age and issue. That’s the takeaway from Gen Z Civic Vibe Check, a new national survey from the Institute for Citizens & Scholars.
“The idea that Gen Z is disengaged is a myth. Young people feel a genuine responsibility to their communities and want to make a difference,” said Audra Watson, Chief of Youth Civic Programs at the Institute for Citizens & Scholars. “In a time of growing distrust and division, Gen Z’s response to what they see around them is shaping the future. Many are already participating, and others simply need a clear way in. Their engagement is active, urgent, and grounded in the realities of their daily lives.”
Key Findings from the Survey
- Motivators for Civic Involvement:
- Overall, social interaction (49%) and social injustice (46%) are the leading drivers.
- Teens (14–18): Most likely to act if friends are involved (55%), rights are threatened (48%), participation helps academically (42%), financial compensation is offered (39%), or extra credit is available (36%).
- Young Adults (19–22): Most motivated when rights are threatened (44%), friends participate (41%), the economy makes jobs scarce (40%), financial compensation is offered (39%), or leaders abuse power (38%).
- Strong Sense of Civic Duty: Nine out of ten respondents feel responsible for their communities. Fewer than 10% cite apathy or lack of responsibility as barriers.
- Preferred Engagement: In-person conversations with family, friends, or peers are the most common form of civic participation (77%). Voting and face-to-face dialogue far outweigh online engagement, reflecting concerns about backlash for expressing opinions online.
- Future Readiness: Even those not currently active expect to take on roles that support their communities in the future.
Watson added: “Economic hardship and abusive leadership are powerful motivators for young adults. Forty percent say they would act if the economy prevented them from finding a job, and 38% would act if a leader abused power. Their engagement reflects what they see around them—how power is exercised, what opportunities exist, and how democratic institutions function.”
The survey was conducted by YPulse, a leading authority on Gen Z and Millennials, on behalf of the Institute for Citizens & Scholars. Fielded August 26–28, 2025, it gathered responses from a nationally representative sample of 1,002 U.S. youth ages 14–22.
Rifa Alif, a young civic organizer, underscored the findings:“Young people want to help and they want to make a difference. When I reach out to local organizations, they’re often surprised that someone so young is eager to talk—and to act.”
This story was written based on a press release provided by Brodeur Partners for Citizens and Scholars.
