A new podcast series is exploring how Gen Z views its future and how older generations perceive them.
More than 12,000 people responded to surveys carried out by The Rest Is Politics ahead of its members-only series, The Gen Z Story, examining the pressures facing young people in Britain.
Over 6,000 Gen Z respondents took part, alongside more than 6,000 people aged over 30, highlighting a clear perception gap between generations.
Older respondents most commonly described Gen Z as “entitled”, while younger people were more likely to describe themselves as “resilient”, “misunderstood”, “lost”, “tired” and “anxious”.
The series is introduced by Alastair Campbell and fronted by journalist Vicky Spratt, who will explore issues including housing, work, debt, social media and political engagement through interviews and listener contributions.
Alastair said: “Since starting The Rest Is Politics, we’ve had messages every week about and from Gen Z. They’re frustrated, they feel ignored by the main political parties and they have a lot to say.”
He added that politicians risk disengagement or a shift towards more extreme views if they fail to connect with younger audiences.
Across the series, Spratt speaks to figures including Angela Rayner, Bobby Duffy, Freya India and Dr Eliza Filby, alongside contributions from Gen Z listeners sharing their experiences.
Angela said she chose to take part because “they are our future” and warned many feel unable to change the system despite their efforts.
The research also highlights strong concern about social media, with more than four in five 16 to 22-year-olds and over nine in ten 23 to 29-year-olds saying it is harmful to mental health. Among the older Gen Z group, 58% said they strongly agree.
Nearly three quarters of 16 to 22-year-olds and more than eight in ten 23 to 29-year-olds said social media increases loneliness or reduces time with family and friends, while 73% and 82% respectively support a ban for under-16s.
Despite generational differences, there is shared concern. Some 73.6% of older respondents said young people’s struggles are as serious as they claim, while 84.3% are worried about job prospects.
A further 60.2% said they would support policies that reduce their own wealth if it improved outcomes for younger generations.
Further representative polling conducted by IPSOS is expected in the coming weeks.
There’s a special new discount for UK students on premium membership for The Rest Is Politics, which gives access to all member series, ad-free listening, the members’ newsletter, early access to live show tickets and more.
To get the discount, you must sign up for an annual membership using a university email address ending in .edu, .ac.uk or .edu.au.
