Poll: Gun violence, homelessness worry young Americans

Concerns over the US’s gun violence epidemic and the prospect of shedding their properties have more and more weighed on younger Americans, in response to a ballot.

Highlighting the instability skilled amongst 18-29 year-olds, about half of all younger Americans — 48 % — mentioned they’ve felt unsafe prior to now month, in response to the Institute of Politics (IOP) at Harvard Kennedy School survey. About 40 % reported worrying they might fall sufferer to gun violence amid repeated grisly mass shootings within the US.

Nearly three-quarters — 73 percent– mentioned they agree homelessness can occur to anybody. A full 32 % mentioned they consider it might occur to them, with above-average responses coming from Latinos — 43 % — and Black respondents — 39 %.

The Spring 2023 Harvard Youth Poll included responses from 2,069 younger Americans, and was carried out final month.

“The data collected in this poll clearly demonstrates not only the growing levels of political engagement among young people, but the urgency of addressing serious issues such as mental health, gun violence, housing, and more,” IOP Director Setti Warren mentioned in a press release.

“The outcomes of earlier Harvard Youth polls have had a direct affect on public coverage, and I anticipate to see that pattern proceed,” he added.

‘Feeling down, depressed, or hopeless’

Nearly half of all respondents — 47 % — reported “feeling down, depressed, or hopeless” with 24 percent saying they have had thoughts that they would be “higher off useless,” or have considered self-harm at some point during the past two weeks.

Nearly 45 percent said they have been bothered by feelings of loneliness while 55 percent reported “feeling nervous, anxious or on edge.”

“From fears of mass shootings to concerns of one day becoming homeless, the current state of Gen Z could perhaps best be summarized in one word: anxious,” said Ethan Jasny, student chair of the Harvard Public Opinion Project. “Young Americans have translated this fear into action, turning out to vote like their rights — and lives — depend on it.”

READ MORE: Over 1.5 million college students have been homeless in US throughout 2017-2018

Source: AA