Younger Americans Less Concerned About Political Violence, New Poll Shows

Thu Oct 30 2025 17:00:11 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A recent survey reveals that younger adults worry less about political violence compared to older generations. Discover why this divide exists and what it means for the political landscape.

A new AP-NORC poll indicates that younger U.S. adults are significantly less concerned about political violence than their older counterparts, despite a year marked by high-profile assassinations of political figures. The poll shows about 30% of adults under 30 express concern about violence compared to nearly half of those over 60. While Democrats and Republicans fear violence directed at their own, independents exhibit less concern overall. The survey reveals that many younger adults are also less worried about threats to free speech and voting rights than older generations.

In a year that has seen shocking political violence, including the assassinations of notable activists, a recent AP-NORC poll highlights a surprising trend: younger adults are less concerned about political violence compared to older generations.

According to the poll, 44% of U.S. adults are extremely or very concerned about violence directed at conservative figures, while 41% express similar concerns for liberals. However, under-30s exhibit lower anxiety levels, with only about 30% sharing these worries.

The generational divide extends to concerns about fundamental rights. Approximately half of those aged 60 and over feel threatened by potential limits on free speech and press freedoms, whereas only about a quarter of younger adults express similar fears.

Meanwhile, political affiliation plays a significant role in shaping concerns regarding political violence. Roughly 60% of Republicans are worried about violence against conservatives, and the same applies to Democrats regarding liberals. Independents, on the other hand, show less concern across the board.

With increasing political polarization, the lack of fear about violence among the youth raises questions about their perspective on the political landscape. It also reflects a waning urgency regarding the protections of fundamental rights such as the right to vote and freedom of speech.

The results of the poll shed light on a complex political climate where younger adults seem more detached from the fears that older generations hold, possibly indicating a shift in how they engage with political issues.