How Optimistic Are Young Americans

While young Americans remain hopeful about their own future, they don't have the same confidence in the direction the nation is headed, according to new research from AU's Sine Institute of Policy and Politics.

Sine's third annual survey-released on September 17-revealed an "optimism gap" among the 1,214 respondents, ages 18-34. Reimagining Political Leadership: The Outlook of Young Americans found that 75 percent of young Americans are optimistic about their own future, while just 47 percent feel the same way about the country.

The 2024 data, released just seven weeks before the presidential election, follows on the heels of last year's poll, which revealed that young people believe happiness and fulfillment, freedom to make life decisions, meaningful personal relationships, and financial success are key to achieving the American dream.

This year, Sine partnered with Future Caucus, the Close Up Foundation, and Generation Lab to gauge young Americans' views on political leadership, voting, civic engagement, and more. An advisory group of 10 AU graduate and undergraduate students helped design the poll, formulate questions, and provide feedback.

The study employed innovative methodologies like audio clips with AI-generated voices to identify winning leadership traits young voters may be looking for in political leaders.

"This research offers a model for leaders looking to inspire, engage, and win the trust of young Americans," said Amy Dacey, SPA/MA '95, executive director of the Sine Institute. "They are looking for leaders with a combination of integrity, authenticity, inclusivity, and compassion. You need to be honest, be real, value everyone, and show that you care."

Respondents were also asked to grade the country across seven metrics: innovation, education, inclusivity, college affordability, the economy, effective government, and capable and trustworthy political leaders.

Among the findings:

• Across demographic lines, men graded the country slightly higher than women, as did Republicans over Democrats and cisgender/hetero young adults compared to their LGBTQ+ counterparts.
• While there was nearly universal worry about the state of American democracy, 80 percent of respondents agreed that the growing diversity in the US makes our country a better place to live.
• Thirty-six percent of surveyrespondents said the biggest problem with political leaders is that they're focused on the wrong issues.
• Only 49 percent of respondents said they are very likely or certain to vote.

Review the full results of the poll here. The Sine Institute unveiled the findings of the poll at an event with the Hill on September 17.