America’s next generation will determine our future. Millions of high schoolers and young adults are taking the steps to engage with society and to influence policies and national and cultural values. What is important to these young Americans, and what do they think about controversial issues?

For starters, they place a premium on happiness and fulfillment. A 2023 survey of Americans aged 18-34 found that 87% held feeling happy and fulfilled as “absolutely essential” or “very important.” Close, meaningful personal relationships were also valued, with 82% rating them in those categories, as was having the freedom to make their own decisions (87%). And despite some dour discussions of America’s future hardships, the poll also revealed a significant sense of optimism: 62% of respondents believed that their lives would be better than their parents, and a majority also expected to outdo their parents in educational opportunity, having healthy, loving relationships, and being treated fairly without discrimination. The one option where youths did not express optimism, however, was political: a majority of respondents did NOT think that they would have “a more functioning government that represented all” than their parents did.

What else about politics? Another 2023 poll of Americans aged 18-34 from the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement took their temperature on candidates, issues, and civic activism. The poll found that 57% of respondents rated themselves as “extremely likely” to vote in this year’s election, with a further 15% rating themselves “very likely.” Within the extremely likely to vote group, 51% said they were voting for the Democratic candidate, while 30% chose the Republican and 16% were undecided.

On issues, the most important one turned out to be the economy: 53% of respondents chose inflation and the cost of living as one of their top three issues of concern, and 28% of people picked jobs and earning a living wage. Addressing climate change and preventing gun violence followed closely, both of which were picked by 26% of those polled. Expanding access for abortion came in fifth, chosen by 19% of people. They also displayed a level of nuance about issues, expressing concern about how outcomes for one issue may impact those of another: for example, the racial justice implications of restrictions on abortion rights.

And despite not being chosen by the most people, the issue of climate change seemed particularly motivating. Young Americans who ranked it in their top three issues were more likely than those who didn’t to say that they were voting in 2024; 72% of those concerned about climate change said they were “extremely likely” to vote, and 65% said they were voting for the Democratic ticket. Climate change grabbed a top spot because 60% of respondents said it represented a “serious threat,” with only 13% expressing satisfaction with the way the government has handled the problem thus far.

Issues including opposing cancel culture and restricting abortion access were the most animating topics for those voting conservative. Interestingly, even though both sides most frequently chose economic issues like living wages and inflation as a top concern, those issues had a very low association with a respondent’s likelihood to cast a vote.

When you hear opinions about America’s youth being disengaged and potentially unaware, remember the outcome of these polls showing that many young people care deeply about our society and our future and want to do something to impact the future. Please consider using Fakchex articles to engage them and inform them about important facts.

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