New research from broadcaster Channel 4 reveals a troubling trend towards support for authoritarianism among young people in the UK. The report “Gen Z: Trends, Truth and Trust” found that 52% of the 2,000 13-27 year olds surveyed would agree that “the UK would be better with a strong leader in charge who does not have to bother with Parliament and elections”.
This correlates with a 2023 study from pro-democracy organisation Open Society Foundations, which found that 42% of young people in its global sample felt military rule was a good way of running a country. Other research has found a disillusionment with democracy among young people.
These are trends to be worried about. But gen Z are not somehow inherently anti-democratic. Understanding why these trends are happening is vital if young people are to participate in democracy.
