Where Is Gen Z in the Protest Movement?

In a viral TikTok video that amassed over 2.3 million views, creator @djangita posed an urgent question: **"Where the f* is Gen Z?" This inquiry has echoed through various protests since the reelection of President Donald Trump, where demonstrators rallied against issues like gun violence, racial injustice, and economic disparities over the past few months. Yet, a striking observation presents itself—these protests appear to be dominated by older generations, leaving many to wonder about the involvement of Generation Z.

The Growing Divide in Political Activism

While the seemingly absent youth demographic at protests may suggest a tacit approval of Trump’s policies, various factors complicate that narrative. Recent polls indicate a noteworthy polarization among Gen Z voters. In the 2024 elections, Trump captured 55% of the male vote aged 18-29, but the female demographic skewed heavily in favor of Vice President Kamala Harris, with 61% voting for her. As of late April 2025, Trump’s approval rating among this cohort had fallen significantly, with only 37% approving of him and 58% expressing disapproval.

Engagement Beyond the Mainstream

Despite perceptions of disengagement, Gen Z has shown up dramatically for protests centering on issues close to their hearts. Alberto Medina, communications lead at the Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE), asserts that “young people’s participation in significant protests, such as those related to gun violence after the Parkland shooting in 2018 and the outcry for racial justice following the murder of George Floyd in 2020, remains a testament to their political vigor.”

However, as Dr. Dana Fisher, director of the Center for Environment, Community & Equity at American University, pointed out, the demographic at many of the recent protests tends to skew older. "At the hands-off rally earlier this year, it was clear that younger individuals were underrepresented," she noted. The sentiments echo a growing frustration among youth concerning the political process itself.

Frustration and Disenchantment

Dr. Fisher elaborates that many young people feel disillusioned with the two-party system in America. Their frustration culminates in a pervasive sentiment: "Young people have given up on democracy in America," as one of her research team members succinctly put it.

The changing dynamics of activism are also evident in the consequences faced by young activists. Amanda Litman, co-founder of Run for Something, emphasizes the repercussions experienced by students participating in protests—especially those related to geopolitical issues like the Israel-Palestine conflict. “In the past year, students protesting on college campuses have faced harassment and even expulsion,” she explained, suggesting that activism in this new landscape comes with risks that many are unwilling to bear.

Contextualizing Current Protests

The resurgence of the Israel-Palestine conflict on October 7, 2023, marked a significant turning point. The tragic events surrounding these developments, including escalating casualties on both sides and a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, have spurred protests across U.S. campuses. Columbia University emerged as a focal point for pro-Palestinian activism, often leading to arrests and heated campus discussions about antisemitism.

Shift Toward New Forms of Activism

While it’s true that Gen Z’s presence at street protests may be faltering, the passion for activism remains robust—just channeled differently. "Many young activists are increasingly orienting their focus toward pressing issues like the Gaza conflict," Dr. Fisher remarked, noting that protests continue actively, drawing considerable college and even high school participation.

Hatem Abudayyeh, national chair of the U.S. Palestinian Community Network, shared firsthand accounts of ongoing participation from Gen Z members at pro-Palestine movements. He stated, "We organize weekly protests and consistently see college-age and even high school students joining us."

Rethinking Activism in the Digital Age

The nature of activism fundamentally evolves as Gen Z navigates an interconnected world. "Not all activism is flashy; it doesn’t always grab headlines," Litman pointed out. During Trump’s presidency, protests were an essential outlet for expressing dissent, but this generation is now leaning towards alternative tactics that emphasize consumer activism and awareness through social media platforms.

Medina highlighted that online engagement can act as an entry point for youth to learn about political participation. He underlined the importance of ensuring access to opportunities that empower young people to go beyond merely consuming political content online.

The Future: Young Leaders in Politics

Significantly, the conversation isn’t just about passive engagement; it’s also shifting toward young individuals aspiring to take political office. Litman noted a remarkable surge of interest, stating that Run for Something has seen nearly 50,000 young people express interest in running for office over the past seven months—a significant uptick compared to earlier years during Trump’s first term.

As political landscapes change and more young individuals rally around issues they care about, this generation may be redefining what it means to be politically active in the 21st century.

In summary, while the visual presence of Gen Z may be less prominent at traditional protests, their engagement in activism is evolving, adaptive, and vibrant—taking on forms that align with a new era of political discourse. The essence of their activism remains firmly rooted in a desire for a democratic system that reflects their values, even if the avenues through which they express these commitments differ from those of past generations.