At first glance, Gen Z looks like the most politically active generation in decades. From climate protests to viral TikToks on reproductive rights, their voices are everywhere. But dig a little deeper, and a more complicated picture emerges: many members of Gen Z don’t trust institutions, don’t like politicians, and increasingly question whether the system is worth engaging with at all.
In other words, Gen Z might be the most politically aware generation — and simultaneously, the most politically disillusioned.
As elections loom in countries around the world, this contradiction poses both a warning and an opportunity. If Gen Z tunes out, democracy risks further erosion. But if they engage — strategically, authentically, and forcefully — they could become the generation that redefines civic participation for the 21st century.
They Know More — and Trust Less
Gen Z has grown up in the shadow of instability. They’ve seen economic crashes, global pandemics, climate disasters, and the slow disintegration of institutional trust. They’ve watched social movements go viral, only to be co-opted or ignored by traditional power structures. And they’ve been online long enough to spot performative politics from a mile away.
According to Pew Research, Gen Z is the least trusting generation when it comes to the government, police, corporations, and even media. They don’t believe politicians will save them. In many cases, they don’t even believe the system can.
But this skepticism is rooted in knowledge — not ignorance. Gen Z is not apathetic because they don’t care; they’re apathetic because they care and feel ignored. It’s a different kind of disengagement — one that comes from being painfully well-informed.
Voting Feels Insufficient
Many Gen Zers will tell you that voting feels like a weak tool against massive, systemic problems. Climate change, gun violence, housing affordability, student debt — these issues don’t seem solvable within a single election cycle, especially when both major parties appear compromised or cautious.
This disillusionment shows up in turnout. In the 2020 U.S. election, Gen Z turnout was relatively strong, around 50%. But in the 2022 midterms, that number dropped sharply in several states. Similar patterns have appeared across Europe and Asia — bursts of protest energy followed by electoral fatigue.
In other words, Gen Z will mobilize for causes — but not always for candidates.
Civic Engagement ≠ Civic Optimism
Here’s the nuance: just because Gen Z isn’t voting in record numbers doesn’t mean they’re inactive. They are highly civically engaged — just not always in traditional ways. They sign petitions, donate to mutual aid, boycott brands, and flood comment sections with political analysis more sophisticated than many cable news segments.
But political parties and legacy institutions have been slow to recognize this shift. They still court young voters with out-of-touch campaigns, cringeworthy social media posts, or token youth surrogates. Meanwhile, Gen Z is discussing abolitionist theory on Discord and organizing tenant unions on Instagram.
To reach Gen Z, political engagement must feel authentic, participatory, and purpose-driven — not paternalistic or performative.
Representation Matters — But So Does Integrity
Gen Z is the most diverse generation in history. They want representation, but not just symbolically. It’s not enough to elect someone wholooks like them; they also want someone who governs in line with their values.
This means politicians can’t just show up during election season with influencers and hashtags. They must consistently walk the walk on issues like climate justice, racial equity, gender rights, and economic fairness. And when they mess up, Gen Z expects accountability — not excuses.
This generation doesn’t expect perfection. But they do demand honesty and a clear moral compass.
Technology Is Not the Solution — Or the Problem
It’s tempting to believe that better technology — slicker apps, AI-driven outreach, more memes — will magically boost youth participation. But Gen Z doesn’t need more content. They need more power.
In fact, some of the most meaningful political engagement Gen Z experiences happensoffline — at protests, community centers, or school board meetings. Digital tools are just that: tools. They can amplify a movement, but they can’t replace one.
The real work is rebuilding political infrastructure in a way that invites Gen Z into leadership — not just likes and shares.
The Risk: A Permanent Break From the System
If Gen Z continues to feel ignored or tokenized, they may disengage entirely — not just from elections, but from democracy itself. This would be catastrophic. A democracy without its youngest voices is one that calcifies and crumbles.
Already, we see signs of this. Some young people openly reject the idea that voting matters. Others turn to more radical ideologies, conspiracy theories, or digital escapism. The further they drift from the civic sphere, the harder it will be to pull them back.
This isn’t just about 2025 or 2026. It’s about the future of democracy itself.
The Opportunity: A Rebirth of Citizenship
But here’s the hopeful scenario: if institutions evolve — if they listen, reform, and genuinely empower young people — Gen Z could become the architects of a more participatory, inclusive democracy.
They have the tools, the values, and the urgency. What they need is a political system that values their input beyond election day.
That starts with lowering voting barriers, building youth leadership pipelines, investing in civic education, and funding grassroots initiatives ledby and for young people.
It also means giving Gen Z the space to reimagine what democracy looks like — beyond ballots and beyond binaries.
The choice before us is simple: we can continue to underestimate Gen Z — or we can collaborate with them to rebuild a political culture worth believing in.
They don’t want to be inspired. They want to be included. They don’t want to be spoken at. They want to be listened to. And they don’t want to save democracy. They want to reshape it.
That’s not apathy. That’s potential.