Gen Z Faces Financial Strain, Misinformation Crisis

Recent reports reveal that young Americans, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds, are grappling with financial instability, declining mental health, and a pervasive distrust in institutions. The Harvard Youth Poll highlights that over 40% of young people feel they are 'barely getting by' financially, with especially high rates of hardship among young Black Americans, women, Hispanics, and those without college degrees. This financial strain is compounded by a growing mental health crisis and a lack of faith in political leadership to address these issues. The rise of remote work, while offering flexibility and some financial relief, is also deepening feelings of loneliness and disconnection for Gen Z as they enter the workforce. Furthermore, young people are increasingly seeking information on social media platforms like TikTok, where misinformation proliferates and trust in traditional news sources is at an all-time low. This shift in how information is consumed may further erode trust in institutions and contribute to political polarization.