A new poll released today by AU’s Sine Institute for Policy and Politics reveals that, despite increasing political polarization and division, young adults are optimistic about the future of American democracy, public policy, and political discourse. The survey of 3,144 young adults between the ages of 18 and 34 was created with the help of six students from across campus—underscoring AU’s commitment to experiential learning.
 
Conducted over three weeks this summer by market research firm YouGov, the poll probed respondents’ perspectives on democracy, social media, public policy, and intragenerational divisions. It reveals that nearly half of respondents are not satisfied with the current state of US democracy—however, 76 percent remain optimistic about the possibility of dramatic change through collective action.
 
“The poll demonstrates two core values of American University: engaging our changemaking students in experiential learning and producing scholarship that impacts today’s greatest challenges,” President Sylvia Burwell says. “The findings help policymakers and institutions to better understand and address the concerns of today’s young people.”
 
Those surveyed say their lives have been most shaped by the pandemic (78 percent) and school shootings (76 percent), and they named gun policy (34 percent) among the issues of most pressing concern, followed by jobs and the economy, climate change, reproductive rights, and racism and race relations. They also indicate their top value is “treating all people with respect, dignity, and tolerance.” 
 
“Looking to the future, I’m optimistic when I see that the top values selected by young people across the political spectrum are so hopeful and positive,” says Amy Dacey, SPA/MA ’95, executive director of the Sine Institute. “The poll offers a silver lining to the hostility and political polarization that has become increasingly prevalent in recent years and suggests that this generation of young people could well be the one that will return civil discourse, respect, progress, and productivity to American politics and life.” 
 
Noah Burke, SIS/BA ’23, was among the members of the Sine Institute Research Student Advisory Committee who helped design the poll, formulate questions, and provide feedback on the methodology and results. 
 
“We discussed what our generation cares about the most, how we make our voice heard in politics, and how we think we are sometimes misunderstood,” says the international relations major. “It was amazing to see YouGov listen to that conversation and turn it into a poll that reflected what we wanted to know about our own generation.”
 
The advisory committee also included Dalia Habiby, SPA/BA ’22, Kogod/MS ’23; Kenya Harris, SOC/MA ’23; Aidan Levinson, SPA/BA ’23; Julieta Marino, SPA/MS ’22; and Ethan Wong, SIS/BA ’23. In addition to YouGov and Dacey, the students—who offered additional research topics as the Sine Institute looks ahead to similar projects—also worked alongside polling expert Molly O’Rourke, SOC executive in residence and a senior advisor to the Sine Institute.
 
“This research also could not have been completed without the help of our amazing student advisory committee, to whom I am very, very grateful,” Dacey says. 
 
Each year, the Sine Institute offers opportunities for student involvement. Eagles may apply to work alongside institute fellows as student associates and join the student advisory group, which includes two students from every school nominated by their dean to serve an academic year helping to further the center’s work and mission. 
 
Levinson, who’s majoring in data science for political science, served as chair of the advisory committee during the survey. “I was proud to work on this project with the team at the Sine Institute. It offers a look into the hearts and minds of my generation.”
 
Natasha Abel and Adrienne Frank contributed to this story.