How Gen Z Is Handling Political Fatigue and Digital Burnout

Key Findings

• 76% of Gen Z voters stand by their voting choice
• 46% actively avoid political content on social media
• 53% report an increase in escapist activities like binge-watching, gaming, or social media scrolling
• twice as many Democrats are using escapism as a way to cope with reality in comparison to Republicans 

With social media feeding us a constant stream of headlines, outrage, and doom-scrolling, many young Americans are finding themselves tuning out of political context, disengaging, or retreating into escapism. The political landscape isn’t just a battlefield of ideas anymore—it’s a relentless, exhausting noise machine. Our survey of 2000 American Gen Z voters reveals a growing sense of exhaustion, avoidance, and a shift in how young people cope with the pressures of political discourse.

Why Young People Are Checking Out

Despite being one of the most politically active generations, Gen Z is also feeling the weight of continuous engagement. When asked how they felt about their voting choices, a significant 76% of respondents said they stood by their decision.

However, levels of confidence vary across political affiliations, with 93% of Democrats standing by their vote, compared to 78% of Republicans and only 55% of non-voters who were satisfied with their choice to abstain.

A sense of detachment is also evident. While only 5% of Democrats and 19% of Republicans feel indifferent about their choice, this number jumps to 33% among non-voters, suggesting that those who opted out of the electoral process may feel the least connected to it. Regret is relatively low across the board, but it’s highest among non-voters—12% wish they had made a different decision, compared to 3% of Republicans and 2% of Democrats.

These numbers highlight a trend: while Democratic Gen Z voters appear the most confident in their choices, Republican Gen Zers show more uncertainty, and non-voters—often assumed to be disengaged—are actually the most likely to feel regret or indifference toward their decision to abstain.

Avoiding Politics: A Coping Mechanism or a Necessary Break?

As political tensions escalate, many young Americans opt to step away from the conversation altogether. Nearly 46% of respondents admitted to actively avoiding political content on social media, with an almost even split between those who engage and those who don’t. This avoidance is even more apparent among Republicans (37%) compared to Democrats (42%), indicating that both sides are feeling the weight of constant political discourse.

But why are so many people choosing to unplug? The emotional toll of political engagement plays a major role—when asked if they avoid the news due to anxiety and overwhelm, 54% of respondents agreed to some degree. Specifically:

• 24% completely agree that the news makes them feel anxious or overwhelmed.
• 30% agree that it negatively affects their mental state.

29% somewhat agree, indicating that even moderate exposure can be draining.

This trend aligns with a broader trend of doom-scrolling, the habit of compulsively consuming distressing news that contributes to anxiety and disengagement. Young voters aren’t necessarily apathetic; they are mentally exhausted by the intensity of political discourse.

Escapism: The Gen Z Survival Strategy

Faced with this exhaustion, many Gen Zers are turning to escapism to cope.

Over the past year, 53% of respondents reported an increase in recreational activities like binge-watching, gaming, or excessive social media scrolling to escape from stress and reality. More specifically:

• 14% reported a significant rise in escapist behaviors.
• 39% noticed a slight increase.
• 41% said their habits stayed the same, while only 6% decreased engaging in these activities.

Interestingly, Democrats were more likely to report a significant (20%) and moderate (37%) increase in escapism than Republicans (8% and 42%), though both groups showed similar rates of engagement. This suggests that political stress hits differently depending on party affiliation, with Democrats potentially feeling more disillusioned or overwhelmed by recent events.

Does Escapism Help or Hurt?

While escapism provides a temporary retreat from the stress of reality, its long-term effects are more complex.

When asked whether escapism helps them cope or makes them feel more disconnected, out of those who increased their doom-scrolling, binge-watching, and excessive gaming time:

• 37% said it helps them cope.
• 12% said it makes them feel more disconnected.
• 50% said it does both.

This mixed response highlights the double-edged sword of escapism—it provides relief, but also risks deepening disengagement. Among political affiliations, 49% of Democrats found escapism a helpful coping mechanism, compared to only 27% of Republicans. Meanwhile, 58% of Republicans said escapism both helps and disconnects them, compared to 43% of Democrats. This suggests that while some use escapism as a refuge, others feel it contributes to their political disengagement.

While short-term escapism can be beneficial for mental health, prolonged avoidance of reality can lead to civic disengagement, further eroding trust in institutions and democratic participation. For Gen Z, the challenge lies in striking a balance between mental wellness and staying informed.

The Future of Political Engagement: Where Does Gen Z Go From Here?

So, where does this leave Gen Z? This generation has proven its political power, leading protests, pushing for policy change, and showing up in record numbers to vote. Yet, the weight of constant political noise is leading many to retreat into digital escapism, not out of apathy, but out of self-preservation.

Looking ahead, it’s crucial for leaders, activists, and the media to recognize the fatigue young people feel and find ways to re-engage them without adding to their mental burden. Encouraging meaningful civic engagement that doesn’t rely on outrage or negativity could be key to keeping Gen Z involved without overwhelming them. Likewise, individuals can take charge of their own mental health by setting boundaries with news consumption, curating healthier online spaces, and engaging in activism that feels sustainable rather than draining.

Ultimately, Gen Z isn’t tuning out because they don’t care—they care too much. The challenge now is figuring out how to stay informed, engaged, and hopeful in a world that often feels like too much to handle.

Methodology: Researchers from PapersOwl surveyed 2,000 members of Generation Z and young Millennials to compile this study. Randomly selected participants were asked to discuss their experiences, with no emphasis on a specific gender, ethnicity, or social background.