Harvard Asked Gen Z How It’s Going and Got a Cry for Help

Only 32% of young Americans say they’re “financially secure.” That’s not a generation, that’s a GoFundMe category.

Harvard’s Institute of Politics Youth Poll basically asked Gen Z and young millennials “you good?” and the answer was a synchronized, exhausted laugh. The vibes are broke, distrustful, and one more surprise fee away from living in a tent with a Ring camera subscription.

The money part is the easy one. Rent’s allergic to gravity, groceries cost like they were handcrafted by monks, and “entry-level” jobs now require five years of experience and the ability to smile while being underpaid in 4K.

Then there’s trust. The poll shows collapsing confidence in institutions and media — and honestly, can you blame them? Every institution is doing that thing where it says “we hear you” while actively pickpocketing you.

A bunch of young people are also avoiding politics because they don’t want to get judged by friends, coworkers, or the algorithm. Like, congrats America: we made civic participation feel like posting a swimsuit pic in high school.

Meanwhile the people with money are praying you stay tired and stay home. Low turnout is basically a dividend for anyone already seated at the grown-up table, carving the turkey with your tax dollars.

If you’re wondering what this means for you: it’s your paycheck, your rent, your rights, and your future getting negotiated by people who will retire before the consequences hit.