How do Generation Z feel that they prosper? There are differences between young people and adults
There is less optimism among some members of Generation Z, but education stands out as an element in their life projection
Generation Z students feel they are thriving, while adults face challenges regarding their purpose, motivation and daily well-being in the United States, according to a new Gallup survey.
“The results of this year’s survey reveal that the evaluation of life among Generation Z has fallen to its lowest level in three years, with only 45% considering themselves thriving, indicating that they value their current life positively and foresee that they will continue to do so in five years,” says the report shared with this newspaper. “This trend is entirely due to a decline among Gen Z adults, as only 39% are thriving, a five percentage point drop from 2024.”
The report adds that the drop is primarily driven by the views of adult women, as 37% feel they are thriving in 2025, compared to 46% in 2024.
The data is unchanged from the 56% of Gen Z middle and high school students surveyed, according to the report conducted in conjunction with the Walton Family Foundation.
There are disparities across racial and ethnic groups, the report said, with African Americans feeling they are “more likely to thrive” than other groups.
Gen Z singles out teachers as a factor in their interest in learning.
“A majority of students consistently say that when they are engaged in school, it is because their teachers make the subjects exciting, interesting and easy to understand,” it states. “Half or fewer students say that most of their teachers seem excited about what they teach (50%), make those subjects interesting (42%), or connect their subjects to the real world (37%).
Romy Drucker, director of the Walton Family Foundation Education Program, highlighted the importance of education.
“These results show the promise of this generation. More students feel prepared for the future, and classroom engagement is increasing,” she said. “Now we must ensure all young people have access to the meaningful learning experiences that provide lifelong opportunities.”
The report adds that Gen Z optimism about the future remains high.
“More than three-quarters of Gen Z (77%) agree or strongly agree that they have a bright future ahead of them, unchanged from 2024,” it states. “In contrast to optimism, Gen Z confidence in their future readiness increased among both students and adults and remains similar across these groups.”