A 2026 poll reveals unprecedented skepticism toward politics, AI, and the economy—with profound implications for the future.

The Axios-Generation Lab poll paints a stark picture of disillusionment among 18- to 34-year-olds. Economic anxiety dominates, with 96% concerned about rent, groceries, or utilities, and 48%...

While 71% of young Americans report being as comfortable or more comfortable with AI than a year ago, paradoxically, 27% cite it as a job-stealing villain. This contradiction highlights AI’s...

The poll reveals a historic rejection of bipartisanship: 36% trust *neither* Democrats nor Republicans to address the cost of living, compared to 26% for Democrats and 22% for Republicans. P...

The 2026 Axios-Generation Lab poll reveals a generation at odds with the status quo, rejecting political parties, economic systems, and even cultural norms like the thumbs-up emoji. This disillusionment is not mere cynicism but a response to tangible challenges: AI-driven job insecurity, unaffordable housing, and a political landscape that feels increasingly irrelevant. Yet, the data also hints at resilience. Young Americans are adapting to AI, with 71% reporting comfort using tools like ChatGPT. Their political engagement, though distrustful of parties, remains high, with figures like Michelle Obama and AOC drawing cross-partisan support. The 2028 election will test whether leaders can channel this energy into solutions—or risk further alienation. For policymakers, the message is clear: address economic anxiety with tangible reforms, from housing affordability to AI workforce training. For businesses, the challenge is to rebuild trust by prioritizing stability over disruption. And for society at large, the 'thumbs down' generation may yet become a force for reinvention—if given the tools to shape the future they want.