The same young people once derided as liberal snowflakes are moving to the right.

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.

  • CharlesDarwin@lemmy.worldEnglish
    14·
    14 hours ago

    For years, Gen Z has been either derided or praised for supposedly being “woke.” Its members have been called snowflakes, mocked for performative “slacktivism” and embracing trigger warnings, and described (favorably and unfavorably) as climate warriors and gun-control activists.

    Change a few labels, and this sounds like the same stuff aimed at Gen X - called slackers and the “political correctness” hysteria really started to take off when we hit early adulthood, etc.

    The more things change…