Are We Losing Touch? The Disconnect Between Politics and Gen Z

In a world where the future of democracy hangs in the balance, a troubling question looms: How can younger generations uphold our nation's fragile democracy if they remain disconnected from the conversations that matter most? This topic hit home during my recent United States Government and Politics class when my teacher posed a seemingly simple question: “Who watched the Presidential debate on Tuesday, Sept. 10th?” The response was deafening silence, broken only by a few sheepish confessions.

The Reality of Engagement

As a senior, the realization that very few of my classmates tuned in to the debate—despite it attracting an audience of 67 million—was disheartening. Many cited reasons like soccer practice, art class, or mountains of homework, painting a picture of our busy teenage lives. But the underlying issue runs deeper. How can we expect to make informed decisions about our future when we are largely uninformed about the present?

Gen Z and News Consumption

• According to the Pew Research Center, roughly one-third of Americans aged 18 to 29 regularly source their news from TikTok.
• This social media platform offers quick, digestible snippets, yet fails to cultivate the critical thinking skills we need to navigate the complexities of our political landscape.

The result is a generation consuming content curated by algorithms that prioritize engagement over accuracy. Last night, after finally catching up on the debate via ABC News, I found myself scrolling through TikTok. My feed was flooded with videos promoting Vice President and Democratic Nominee Kamala Harris, often at the expense of Republican Nominee Donald Trump. One video in particular stood out: a slide reading, “Tonight a convicted felon will debate,” juxtaposed with a photo of Trump, eliciting a wave of laughter in the comments section.

Politics as Entertainment

For many in my generation, politics seems to have transformed from civic engagement into entertainment. We often analyze candidates through the lens of celebrities and influencers rather than their policies. The endorsement of Harris by Taylor Swift dominated my social media feed, overshadowing any meaningful discussion about the debate itself. It’s concerning to see that substantive issues are often drowned out by sensationalism and meme culture.

The Danger of Distraction

Instead of meaningful discourse, we’re bombarded by outrageous claims and viral moments. Discussions about serious policy issues are frequently eclipsed by sensational sound bites. It raises an important question: In an era that rewards quick hits of dopamine from social media likes, what happens to our commitment to being informed citizens?

Reclaiming Our Role in Democracy

As young people poised to inherit a world that desperately needs thoughtful leadership, we have a responsibility to engage with the complexities of our society. Voting is just the beginning; we must delve into the uncomfortable truths and challenges our democracy faces. If we’re not even willing to watch a debate, how can we expect to take on that responsibility?

Even Taylor Swift, in her endorsement of Harris, urged us to “do your research.” Ignoring this advice risks making us not just uninformed voters, but a generation that has lost sight of what it means to be part of a democracy. It’s time we look beyond influencers and viral moments and engage deeply with the issues that truly matter.

What do you think?

• Is social media enhancing or harming our understanding of political issues?
• Are young voters more influenced by celebrity endorsements than by actual policies?
• What role does entertainment play in the political engagement of Gen Z?
• How can we encourage our peers to engage more seriously with current events?
• Do you believe traditional news sources still hold value for younger generations?

It's time for us as a generation to step up and take our role in democracy seriously. Let's engage in conversations that matter, not just for ourselves but for the future of our country.