“One example is the increase around the acceptance or willingness to engage with concepts related to trauma—I think younger people are more willing to accept or understand the idea of trauma (including intergenerational trauma) as something that older generations are less willing to engage with. How does this level of awareness transcend simple understanding of wellness topics, and how might that shape the intentions of future policy makers?”

“I believe some overlooked groups include multiracial Americans…The younger generations will be comprised of a greater number of blended individuals who will hold a great deal of political power. Neurodivergent individuals and those advocating for those groups will also become more prominent. As awareness of neurodivergence increases, we will find more demand for workplace, school, and mental health policies that are more accommodating for individuals within this group. While currently associated with conservative politics, as Millennial and Gen Z voters grow more in power, their blending of rural life, technological integration, and the loss of the family farm will create a unique identity and perspective we have yet to see.”

“This societal shift isn’t just about work or travel—it’s about values. As young people prioritize well-being, autonomy, and global perspectives, political coalitions will have to evolve. The parties and movements that recognize non-traditional aspirations and reimagine governance accordingly will have the best chance of shaping the future. Younger generations may push coalitions to prioritize worker protections, mental health, and flexible economic policies (e.g., universal basic income, stronger labor rights, and affordable healthcare) over traditional economic growth metrics.”

“So many leaders make statements like, ‘I'm inspired by looking at the youth leaders of today to take on the charge,’ and I do think to some extent, many young people hear this and feel anger. Older people don't have to face the perils of the future, but have done little to help set up a present to help young people face these problems in the future…, so instead of feeling inspired by older generations’ confidence in us, it feels like we have to clean up intergenerational messes.”

“Personal choices around work, family, and wellbeing reveal a deeper disconnection from existing systems: I think a lot of young people believe in a YOLO mindset, which is what places wellbeing as a more important priority. Fewer young people want to have children of their own—in part because they don't have confidence and hope about the future (whether that's due to climate change, economic uncertainty, rise of authoritarianism, genocide, etc.). I do think young people fear a civil war in the United States. For the majority of our conscious life, it's been deeply polarized more than it's been civil.”

“For most younger people I know, climate is the overwhelming issue of concern, whereas in all of the areas I work, it is rarely discussed or segmented as a subfield. This tension seems unsustainable to me. My guess is that this generation will produce a major realignment representing some progressive social values, but also embracing a greater autonomous role for the state. We may see a separation of broadly left views from an investment in democracy, which has never been true on a large scale in the US.”

“We've lived through decades of neoliberalism, and as this old order breaks down, the systems around us are rewarding opportunists who will break any norm to grab power, as well as those who most effectively colonize attention. These shifts in values mean that even communities grounded in collective strength are being pushed toward the pursuit of individual power. In this environment, democratic institutions, especially governing traditions built on the opposite premise of pooling resources and serving the public good, face profound challenges in sustaining their purpose.”