Archive · 24 Sep 2025
Study: Rising Gen Z Acceptance of Political Violence
Some young people in the US, called Gen Z, are starting to think violence is okay to make political changes.
A recent study shows 20% of Gen Z think violence is justified in some cases, which is double the rate of older people.
Things like feeling unhappy with money and politics, plus what they see online, are contributing to this.
Young people are also supporting actions that involve political violence.
This is concerning because it goes against the idea of solving problems peacefully, like with discussions.
It’s important for everyone to agree on how to make changes in a country.
A recent study shows 20% of Gen Z believes political violence is sometimes justified.
This is significantly higher than older generations.
Factors contributing to this include economic dissatisfaction and social media.
Examples of politically motivated violence involving young people were mentioned.
Gen Z also shows less faith in traditional political systems.
- Who
- Gen Z Americans, along with other generations
- What
- A growing acceptance of political violence as a means to achieve political change
- When
- Study conducted recently with data from 2021, 2024, and 2025
- Where
- United States
- Why
- Disillusionment, economic hardship, social media influence.
Advocates of Peaceful Protest
Those Supporting Political Violence
Acceptance of Violence
Advocates of Peaceful Protest
Advocates for nonviolent methods for social change.
Those Supporting Political Violence
Some believe violence is sometimes necessary to achieve political goals.
View on Traditional Politics
Advocates of Peaceful Protest
Believe in working within the existing democratic processes to promote change.
Those Supporting Political Violence
Expressing disillusionment and a lack of faith in traditional political systems.
- Study Focus
- Gen Z attitudes toward political violence
- Gen Z Definition
- Born between 1997-2012
- Gen Z Support for Violence
- 20%
- Millennial Support for Violence
- 14%
- Gen X Support for Violence
- 8%
- Baby Boomer/Silent Gen Support for Violence
- 3%
- Capital Riot Support (Gen Z)
- 16%
- Average Gen Z Salary
- $30,000-$35,000