Passion and Politics

Newly elected vice chair of the Democratic National Committee, David Hogg—the first Gen Z member to hold the position—spoke on The Daily Show about the responsibility of his generation. He called on Gen Z to repurpose a mantra taught to students to prepare them for action in the event of a mass shooting, “Run, hide, fight,”

“I think it’s time for our generation to repurpose that [mantra] and realize it’s—we have a responsibility not to hide from the responsibility to protect the next generation so that they don’t go through this. We have to fight to create that future, and if necessary we need to run for office to make that future a reality.”

While Gen Z has proven to be a powerful political force, their generation is far from monolithic. Although many young voters lean progressive, a growing conservative faction within Gen Z is shaping political discourse in a different direction. Issues like free speech, economic policy, and Second Amendment rights have gained traction among young conservatives, leading to the rise of influencers and organizations that challenge the assumption that all Gen Z voters align with left-leaning ideals. 

The ideological divide within Gen Z is perhaps most evident in how they engage with political content. Progressive activists dominate platforms like TikTok and Instagram, while conservative voices thrive on YouTube, X, and alternative platforms like President Donald Trump’s Truth Social. Figures such as Vivek Ramaswamy and Turning Point USA’s Charlie Kirk appeal to young conservatives by promoting a message of individualism, anti-woke politics, and economic deregulation. 

Despite these divides, one unifying trait of Gen Z—regardless of political ideology—is their demand for authenticity. Unlike previous generations, Gen Z voters are less likely to align with traditional party structures and more inclined to support candidates who reflect their values and personal convictions, even if it means breaking with party norms. This independent streak has led to increased support for third-party candidates and political movements that reject establishment politics altogether. 

Social media has allowed young activists to bypass traditional gatekeepers, amplifying their voices and reaching millions in a matter of hours. Hashtag movements such as #BlackLivesMatter, #MeToo, and #ClimateStrike gained global traction, largely due to Gen Z’s ability to turn viral moments into sustained activism. Digital-native organizations like Gen Z for Change and March For Our Lives have mastered the art of using short-form videos, memes, and livestreams to inform, persuade, and organize their peers around critical issues.

This shift has not come without challenges. The rise of digital activism has sparked concerns over misinformation, echo chambers, and the performative nature of online engagement—often referred to as “slacktivism.” While Gen Z has demonstrated an ability to translate online momentum into real-world action—such as protests, voter registration drives, and fundraising efforts—critics question whether digital engagement alone can create lasting systemic change. The increasing role of algorithms in shaping political content also raises concerns about how information is curated and whether it reinforces ideological bubbles.

Despite these obstacles, social media remains Gen Z’s most powerful tool for political engagement. From calling out politicians in viral videos to organizing nationwide protests with just a few taps, their digital fluency ensures that no issue is too small—or too big—to be ignored. The question is how Gen Z will continue to evolve their activism as they gain more political power within traditional institutions. 

As Gen Z continues to redefine political engagement through social media, activism, and voter participation, the next frontier is leadership. While their influence is already shaping policy debates and election outcomes, the real test will be how they navigate governance and policymaking in the years ahead.