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As the U.S. presidential election approaches, it seems that some Gen Z individuals may be keeping their true voting preferences under wraps.
According to a poll conducted by The Harris Poll for Axios, over 1,800 registered voters were surveyed between October 22 and 24. The results revealed that 23% of respondents across different age groups admitted to lying to a close acquaintance about their voting choice. The percentage was highest among Gen Z respondents, with 48% confessing to such deception. The trend of dishonesty decreased with age, with 38% of millennials, 17% of Gen Xers, and only 6% of baby boomers admitting to similar lies.
The poll also highlighted a significant level of secrecy surrounding the upcoming election, with 58% of respondents considering their vote a private matter.
John Gerzema, CEO of The Harris Poll, suggested that a new form of privacy is emerging, making it easier for individuals to either deceive others or avoid discussing their voting preferences. He attributed this behavior to the prevailing polarization, concerns about post-election unrest, and the younger generation’s avoidance of in-person conflicts.
The survey indicated that lying about one’s vote often occurs in the presence of conflicting opinions. One-third of respondents admitted to being distant from family members due to differing political beliefs, a sentiment that was particularly strong among millennials (47%) and Gen Zers (44%).
Despite some Gen Z individuals choosing to keep their voting choices private, many express vocal opposition to those with opposing views. A TikTok trend has emerged where voters humorously claim to be “canceling out” their family members’ votes.
Gen Z’s Gender Disparity
The survey revealed that men are nearly twice as likely as women to lie about their voting preferences, with 30% of men and 17% of women admitting to such deceit. The target audience of these lies and the underlying reasons remain unclear.
However, the survey also highlighted a gender gap in political preferences among younger generations. Data from Gallup, as reported by the Financial Times, suggests that men in the U.S., Germany, and South Korea are moving towards more conservative views, while women are leaning towards liberalism, with a 30-percentage-point gap in the U.S.
This trend may be linked to movements like #MeToo, which empowered women to speak out against abuse and sexism, resulting in a clear divide on issues like sexual harassment. Young women also tend to hold more liberal views on immigration and racial justice compared to their male counterparts.
Despite the focus on political polarization in a two-party system, Republicans have shifted further to the right than Democrats have to the left, according to a separate Gallup survey of Congress members. Key issues like abortion rights, particularly following the overturn of Roe v. Wade, are shaping the current political landscape.
While there are gender disparities in political leanings, there is a common desire among Gen Zers for the government to address critical issues such as climate change, economic inequality, and the future of democracy. Studies conducted by UC Berkeley researchers suggest that young people feel disillusioned by politicians’ failure to tackle these pressing concerns.
Gen Z’s Silence in the Workplace
Despite being known for their outspokenness, Gen Z individuals in the workforce are the least likely to engage in political conversations with colleagues, according to Gallup. They also feel the most uncomfortable discussing politics compared to other generations.
Katelyn Hedrick, a co-author of the Gallup analysis, suggests that younger workers may be hesitant to discuss politics at work due to their recent entry into the workforce and the desire to build strong professional relationships and reputations.
On the other hand, baby boomers, who occupy senior positions in the corporate hierarchy, are the least likely to lie about their political beliefs. Their seniority and experience may contribute to their honesty in expressing their views.
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