Thatiana Gibbs
Special to the Campus Times
Sofia Nagy, a junior rhetoric and communications studies and legal studies major at the University of La Verne, attended a Catholic high school where religion was a daily routine, one she went along with, albeit reluctantly.
“I used to lean very left.” she said, reflecting on her time in high school, which she said was marked by liberalism and skepticism toward religion.
Once in college, Nagy said she made the choice to engage in deeper reflection. This reflection led her to views more closely aligned with her religion, illustrating how religion and political identity can correspond.
Over the past three years, Nagy said she has reshaped her worldview from left-wing ideology to values that reflect her Catholic faith.
Identifying as politically nonpartisan, Nagy said she is grounded in a commitment to respectful dialogue and policies that prioritize both social responsibility and her religious values.
Her personal evolution reflects a broader generational tension.
Generation Z, which encompasses those born between 1997 and 2012, has been widely regarded as progressive. A 2020 Pew Research Center study found that 61% of Gen Z voters supported Democratic presidential candidates. The report titled “On the Cusp of Adulthood and Facing an Uncertain Future: What We Know About Generation Z So Far,” found that 22% of Gen Z-ers supported Donald Trump, and the remaining 17% either supported another candidate or did not respond.
Raised in a digital-first world, this generation is coming of age amid such social and global challenges as climate change, systemic racism, and political polarization.
These ongoing challenges have shaped many of the generation’s core values, which include, in general, a commitment to social justice causes such as racial equality, LGBTQ+ rights and environmental sustainability.
However, a deeper analysis of this generation’s political ideologies and identities show a more complex picture: one that reveals the gap between ideals and reality.
A Generation Shaped by Diversity and Exposure
One of the defining characteristics of Gen Z is its integration of diverse ideas and perspectives. According to another 2020 Pew Research Center report titled “On the cusp of adulthood and facing an uncertain future: What we know about Gen Z so far,” Gen Z is the most racially and ethnically diverse generation in U.S. history, with nearly half identifying as nonwhite.
This diversity shapes not only their cultural interactions but also their political views, the study finds. For many, supporting racial justice and inclusive policies is not just a theoretical belief but a lived experience that is further amplified by their exposure to digital activism.
Gen Z’s digital engagement has allowed them to participate in movements like #MeToo, #StopAsianHate, #MyBodyMyChoice, #BlackLivesMatter, among others, contributing to the widespread protests and advocacy efforts in 2020.
Nagy, who is a Gen Z-er, said that her approach to activism stems from education and digital connection.
“I use social media to share knowledge and experiences,” she said. “It’s how we connect.”
Through platforms like Instagram and TikTok, Gen Z-ers organize fundraisers, share educational content, and promote ideas and reforms all driven by their strong belief in equity and justice.
Their level of digital engagement, however (around 9 hours of screen time daily) also exposes them to various sometimes extreme ideological perspectives, propaganda, and misinformation. While some of these viewpoints may align with their progressive values, others present conservative or even extreme ideas, complicating their understanding of politics, and sometimes making it difficult to find and understand objective facts.
Jacob Huberman, visiting professor of film and television at the University of La Verne, noted that demographic diversity does not automatically translate to political homogeneity.
The University of “La Verne has people from many diverse backgrounds,” he said. “That doesn’t mean everyone will vote one way.”
Students’ diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds influence and shape a variety of viewpoints, he said.
The Influence of Digital Nativity
Unlike Millennials, born between 1981 and 1996, who saw the Internet’s rise during their adolescence, Gen Z was born into a world dominated by smartphones, social media, and often constant screen time.
The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically accelerated the shift to online life, especially for Gen Z, who already relied heavily on digital spaces for educational and social engagement. With the pandemic’s shift to online school and life in 2020 and 2021, TikTok, Instagram, YouTube>, and X, formerly Twitter, became for some their only source for connection to the world outside of their homes.
For Nagy, the Internet is a key part of staying up to date on politics.
“I follow a little bit of everything,” she said. “I like to stay informed by getting diverse perspectives.”
This constant stream of information has made Gen Z informed on topics such as climate change, racial justice, and gender equity, but it has also exposed them to the dangers of misinformation and ideological extremes.
“The Internet is such a large part of political awareness.” Nagy said, highlighting how central it is in informing Gen Z’s worldview.
Sharon Davis, emeritus professor of sociology at the University of La Verne, said that the shift to social media as a primary source of political information can be problematic.
“This is particularly dangerous,” Davis said. “Unlike traditional news outlets that are held to certain ethical standards, social media influencers offer information in a more sensationalized, unregulated manner.”
With that in mind, Gen Z is at risk for exposure to unfiltered opinions and potentially misleading narratives. Davis said previous generations relied on traditional professional news sources, which made it easier for them to trust the information they received.
The effects of this shift in media consumption are profound. On one hand, social media allows Gen Z to access a broader pool of ideas, but on the other hand, the lack of oversight creates an environment where misinformation can thrive.
Judy Holiday, associate professor of rhetoric and communication studies at the University of La Verne, emphasized the mental fatigue caused by the constant stream of information from digital platforms.
“With the media and overconsumption, you cannot step outside as a college student and have that post 2 a.m. moment,” she said. “You are always inundated; you never get a break.”
A Fragmented Information Ecosystem
The fragmented information ecosystem has another consequence: ideological confusion. This complicates the political opinions and identities of many young people, who must navigate an ecosystem where facts and opinions are often indistinguishable.
A 2016 Pew Research Center study titled “Many Americans Believe Fake News Is Sowing Confusion”, found that about two-thirds of U.S. adults said fabricated news stories cause a great deal of confusion about the basic facts of current issues and events.
Gen Z, which grew up surrounded by an overload of political opinions from every corner of the Internet, struggles to sort through the noise.
“We’re constantly bombarded with different viewpoints, and it can be overwhelming.” Nagy said.
Digital literacy refers to the ability to find, evaluate, and communicate information using digital technology. Despite growing digital literacy, Gen Z is not immune to the influence of misinformation and conspiracy theories, especially on social media. A 2024 Pew Research Center study titled “America’s News Influencers” found that news influencers on X often project explicit political leanings, with 28% identifying as right-leaning and 21% as left-leaning.
These influencers frequently serve as alternative news sources, especially for younger users. According to the study, 72% of adults aged 18 to 29 who follow such influencers reported that their content helps them understand current events. This is the case despite many influencers lacking editorial oversight or accountability.
Huberman explained how digital storytelling intersects with audience behavior. Social media and algorithm-driven platforms are not just influencing what people see, they’re reinforcing what they already believe, Huberman said.
“Aggregated headlines still work in sort of echo chambers, suggesting media that you probably already align with,” Huberman said.
Huberman said that rather than encouraging critical thought, the information ecosystem often nurtures confirmation bias.
These algorithms are designed to maximize time spent on the platform by analyzing behavior patterns and promoting content that aligns with users’ past interactions. Platforms track what users click on, like, or share, and then recommend more of the same to keep them scrolling. This causes algorithms to prioritize engagement over diversity of viewpoint.
This fragmentation means that members of Gen Z who identify as left-wing may encounter opposing viewpoints that challenge their beliefs, leading to ideological confusion or fatigue. In some cases, this confusion, amplified by personalized content that limits exposure to opposing views, has led some young people to adopt more centrist or conservative positions.
Alongside the imbalanced information ecosystem, some support conservative ideas because changes to the status quo can feel threatening to those who believe their values, traditions, or way of life are at risk. For example, someone might oppose certain changes in school curriculum because they believe it threatens long-standing cultural traditions they grew up with. This desire to maintain familiar beliefs can lead them to back political views that emphasize preserving tradition.
To that point, Davis argued that the political shift on campuses is part of a broader societal trend.
“These young individuals, particularly young white men, have a vested interest in maintaining their status on the social and political hill,” she said. “They’ve benefitted from the previous political agenda, and as the U.S. demographic landscape changes, they might perceive minorities as a challenge to that status.”
Additionally, the increase in identity-based activism can lead to frustration, particularly among students who feel that free speech is being stifled in favor of mainstream liberal ideas, Davis said.
The College Campus Crossroads
College campuses have long been considered hubs of progressive thought, with students at the forefront of social change movements. However, recent data suggests a more nuanced political environment is emerging. And a divergence also exists between the political leanings of college students and the broader Gen Z population, with college campuses showing a higher proportion of conservative-leaning individuals.
According to a 2024 report from the nonpartisan research organization Survey Center on American Life, 26% of college students identify as conservative. In contrast, only 19% of Gen Z adults ages 18–24 identify as conservative, while 42% identify as liberal. This suggests that conservative viewpoints may have a stronger foothold within college campuses than among their non-college peers in the same age group.
The college experience can facilitate political experimentation and a space where students are exposed to a wide range of ideas. The data challenges the perception that college campuses are overwhelmingly liberal spaces. Instead, it suggests that higher education may foster a unique political environment where conservative views are not only present but possibly more prevalent than among Gen Z peers who are not in college. Exposure to diverse perspectives can prompt students to either reaffirm or reconsider their beliefs, showing how environment and experience shape political identity.
Economic Uncertainty and Shifting Priorities
A significant factor influencing Gen Z’s evolving political identity is economic insecurity. Having grown up during the aftermath of the Great Recession and the COVID-19 pandemic, most Gen Z-ers have witnessed or experienced economic instability. Such awareness, compounded by today’s high cost of housing, student debt and a challenging job market has led some to question the promises made by political leaders.
Holiday links Gen Z’s increasing conservatism to economic hardship and the stress of adult responsibilities.
“There’s financial stress that did not exist earlier because going to school is so much more expensive now.” she said.
A study published in 2024 in the Journal of Adolescent Research explored how economic constraints affect young people’s aspirations, expectations, and plans for their financial futures. The research found that these economic constraints significantly shape young people’s financial outlook as they transition to adulthood. Economic challenges have created a generational shift in political priorities, pushing Gen Z to balance their idealism with the practical strategies of financial survival. For some, this means reassessing their political beliefs, especially when it comes to fiscal policy and economic opportunities.
Furthermore, the lure of social media content, characterized by sensationalism, can make it more difficult to engage meaningfully with issues like taxation, government spending, and the feasibility of large-scale progressive policies.
“Gen Z spends a significant amount of time on social media platforms, which means their awareness of (objective) current events may not always be a priority,” Davis said. “It’s easier for them to turn to influencers for information.”
This sensational or generalized content can contribute to a distorted view of policy debates, leading to confusion or a sense of cynicism toward the political process. According to a 2024 Pew Research Center study titled “America’s News Influencers,” young adults ages 18–29 are among the most active consumers of news via influencers on social media, yet many report being unsure about the accuracy or motives behind what they see.
Where do they go from here?
Gen Z’s political identity is growing more fluid, with shifting values that don’t always align with Democratic or Republican parties. While some continue to support progressive values, the reality of economic hardship and a fragmented media landscape is leading others to reconsider their positions. This is especially true for individuals who feel that their voices are not represented in the ideological framework of the left.
The 2024 presidential election exit polls highlighted a shift toward conservative candidates among Gen Z men, marking a divergence from the more progressive leanings typically associated with the generation. According to the Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE) exit poll data (2024), young men under 30 favored Republican candidates by a significant margin in 2024, reflecting this rightward shift among Gen Z voters – at least among young men. This polarization suggests that future movements, campaigns, and policies targeting Gen Z will need to account not just for generational identity, but for the divides within it. Overall, Gen Z may emerge as a generation focused less on choosing sides, and more on reshaping the rules entirely. As they continue to engage with the world, their political identity will remain dynamic.
Thatiana Gibbs can be reached at thatiana.gibbs@laverne.edu.
Thatiana Gibbs is a senior journalism major with a concentration in print-online journalism. She is a photographer for the Campus Times and La Verne Magazine. Her enthusiasm lies in research, writing, and effectively delivering captivating information to the public eye. She has previously been an assistant editor and staff writer for the Campus Times, and a staff writer for La Verne Magazine.
