Summary
Gen Z’s reputation as a reliably progressive generation has been challenged by recent U.S. election results, showing a noticeable shift toward conservative voting, particularly among young men.
Many young people struggle with financial security, psychological safety, and optimism about the future. Trump tapped into their anxieties of a frightening world that’s worsening.
Issues like inflation, financial stability, and safety now rank higher than traditional progressive causes for many young people.
Additionally, conservative influences from figures like Joe Rogan and family ties to Gen X parents may have nudged Gen Z rightward, reflecting their complex and evolving priorities.
I think the two most salient points here are:
TV and radio are dead, social media is a wasteland. Podcasts are reaching young folks, especially men.
Which brings me to…
They’re doing worse than previous generations did at their age, across every metric you can imagine, and they’re also doing worse than young women.
That’s not to say we should stifle women’s success!
But if all you have to offer young men is a lecture on their unearned privilege, I think it’s not surprising that they take their business elsewhere.
Importantly: This doesn’t make them right.
But if we don’t figure this out, we’re fucked. We have to have a positive message for men who are struggling and desperate. If we don’t offer a plan, guess who will?