A recent Gallup-Walton Family Foundation survey revealed that many young Americans have very little trust in a wide range of institutions, with around half expressing low levels of trust in Congress and the presidency. Generation Z, defined as those younger than 28, showed particular distrust towards Congress (53%), the presidency (51%), and the Supreme Court (44%). Only a small percentage of Gen Z members expressed high levels of trust in these institutions, with just 20% having a significant amount of trust in the Supreme Court, and even fewer in Congress or the presidency.
Additionally, the survey showed that more than a third of Gen Z adults have very little trust in large technology companies (49%), the news (43%), the criminal justice system (41%), and the police (37%). However, fewer expressed the same lack of trust in the military (30%) and the medical system (26%). Interestingly, only 7% reported having very little trust in science as a whole. These findings align with a Harvard Institute of Politics survey that also highlighted declining trust among young adults in various institutions.
The lack of trust in the political system is not unique to young Americans, as Gallup polling from earlier in the year revealed similar sentiments among adults of all ages. About 57% expressed very little confidence in Congress, 46% in the presidency, and 35% in the Supreme Court. While young adults were more likely to have little confidence in the police, military, and large technology companies compared to the general US public, the overall distrust in key institutions is widespread across different age groups.
On a positive note, the Gallup-Walton Family Foundation survey found that young members of Generation Z tend to have faith in their teachers. A majority (59%) of current middle school, high school, and college students reported having high levels of trust in their teachers and other adults at their school. This suggests that while there is significant skepticism towards various institutions, the younger generation still places trust in individuals who play a direct role in their education and development.
Conducted between April and May, the Gallup-Walton Family Foundation poll surveyed 4,157 individuals aged 12 to 27 in the US using a nationally representative online panel. The results have a margin of error of +/- 2.1 percentage points, providing a comprehensive overview of Gen Z’s perceptions of different institutions. Overall, the survey highlights a growing trend of distrust among young Americans towards traditional institutions, while also emphasizing the importance of strong relationships with teachers and educators in shaping their views and values.
