U.S. college students face political anxiety over uncertain future

College students in the United States are expressing significant political anxiety driven by economic uncertainty, global violence, and concerns over artificial intelligence. At Michigan State University, students report feeling that traditional milestones of adulthood, such as homeownership and career stability, are increasingly out of reach.

This sense of despair is influencing political leanings. While economic dissatisfaction previously contributed to Donald Trump winning a higher-than-typical share of young voters, current anxieties are driving some students toward progressive, anti-establishment Democratic candidates who promise to challenge the political status quo.