Trust in Government Hits New Lows

Recent analysis by the Financial Times, based on Gallup data, reveals a significant drop in trust among young Americans towards their government. The findings, from polls surveying approximately 70,000 individuals globally during 2023 and 2024, underscore a troubling trend: under a third of Americans aged under 30 express confidence in their government. This lack of faith is compounded by a record high—31 percent—of respondents in this age group feeling they lack the freedom to choose their life paths, positioning the U.S. among the least satisfied when compared to other affluent nations, surpassed only by Greece and Italy.

Political Polarization and Its Impact

Julie Ray, managing editor at Gallup, notes that “the future seems kind of bleak” for younger Americans, a sentiment echoed by many. Experts suggest that political polarization is likely to cause further declines in trust in upcoming surveys, despite thoughts around how former President Donald Trump’s administration affected perspectives during his second term remaining inconclusive.

Disillusionment Among Millennials and Gen Z

Connor Brennan, a 25-year-old PhD student in financial economics at the University of Chicago, articulates growing distrust in political figures. He observes that political discussions now often feel more like entertainment than serious topics, stating, “it really has become more and more like, you watch the latest episode of the sitcom.”

Additionally, the data indicates that confidence in the judicial system and trust in law enforcement are also at all-time lows among U.S. youth, with over one-third expressing skepticism towards the police. Daniel Quezada, a 22-year-old substitute teacher from Arkansas, reflected this doubt, stating, “I would not say I trust the government… a lot of things that have changed quite recently call the government’s ability to be honest into question.”

International Context

The outlook for American youth is notably grim when compared globally. Nations such as Greece and Italy find themselves in similar predicaments regarding dissatisfaction with public services and trust in institutions. Conversely, Nordic countries like Finland, Denmark, and Norway show a markedly higher confidence in governance.

Furthermore, approximately 61 percent of U.S. youth report experiencing stress recently, ranking third among advanced economies, only trailing behind Greece and Canada.

Factors Contributing to Youth Discontent

Contributing to this decline in happiness among young Americans are various factors including stagnant living standards, rising housing costs, and challenges in the labor market, all worsened by global economic events such as the 2008-09 financial crisis. This broad spectrum of issues has left many youths feeling anxious about their future.

Haifang Huang, an economics professor at the University of Alberta, indicated that economic grievances are rooted in complex issues, including increasing wealth inequality exacerbated by generational wealth transfer. Social psychologist Jonathan Haidt, in his book, The Anxious Generation, points to the role of smartphones and social media in fostering mental health crises amongst youth in English-speaking countries.

The Role of Information in Trust

John Helliwell, a founding editor of Gallup’s World Happiness Report, supports the notion that declining trust and wellbeing is linked to the narratives circulated on social media. He highlights that heightened political polarization has led to a fragmented information landscape: “If there’s nobody who you believe, then of course, your trust is going to be low in everybody,” he stated.

Looking Ahead: Economic Concerns

Despite a general sentiment of gloom, young Americans remain cautiously optimistic about their economic prospects, buoyed by a low unemployment rate and relatively high earnings. However, as poverty and inflation issues loom, many are beginning to share the bleak outlook expressed by their peers. Misha Newbold, a 20-year-old student at Johns Hopkins University, commented on the economic challenges, saying, “the economy isn’t doing great,” and raised concerns over federal budget cuts made by the Department of Government Efficiency.

Brennan echoed these discomforts, worrying about the national debt and its potential impact on future crises, remarking, “I don’t think we’ll come to Jesus” even when faced with evident challenges.