Global Study Reveals Growing Support for Violence and Disinformation Among Young Adults to Drive Change

Global Study Reveals Growing Support for Violence and Disinformation | Visionary CIOs

A recent global survey highlights a deepening crisis of trust in governments, business leaders, and the media, with younger generations increasingly endorsing radical measures to address societal grievances. According to the 2025 Trust Barometer, a study involving over 32,000 participants across 28 countries, there is widespread anger, alienation, and a willingness to use violence and disinformation to push for change.

Disillusionment with Institutions

The findings suggest that trust in institutions has eroded to a point where many citizens feel the system is unfair and capitalism no longer works in their favor. About two-thirds of respondents reported feeling discriminated against, marking a 10% increase compared to last year. Among white Americans, this sentiment rose sharply by 14 percentage points, reaching 48%.

Grievances are widespread across political ideologies and age groups. Approximately 69% of left-leaning respondents and 57% of those on the right expressed moderate or high levels of dissatisfaction. Among older adults aged 55 and above, 66% reported grievances, compared to 58% among Gen Z.

A significant majority, two-thirds of respondents, believe that journalists, government officials, and CEOs routinely mislead the public. Additionally, the same proportion expressed difficulty distinguishing between credible news sources and disinformation, underscoring the extent of mistrust.

Economic Concerns Drive Distrust

Economic challenges appear to be a driving force behind the results. Inflation fears, resentment toward the wealthy, and apprehensions about job losses due to AI and globalization were prominent concerns. Around 62% of participants worried about losing their jobs due to these factors.

The outlook for future generations is bleak, with only one-third of respondents believing the next generation will be better off. This pessimism is particularly pronounced in countries like France (9%) and Germany (14%).

The study also highlighted a growing divide between income groups. The lowest income quartile displayed significantly lower trust in institutions compared to the top quartile, amplifying what has been described as a widening “mass-class divide.”

Rising Support for Extreme Measures

Alarmingly, the survey revealed that 31% of Gen Z respondents consider violence and disinformation against persons or property as a legitimate means to bring about change. Among 18-34-year-olds, this figure rises to 55%, with a majority supporting the use of violence, property damage, or disinformation as tools for social and political reform.

The study also found that a substantial percentage of young adults believe capitalism does more harm than good, reflecting a growing discontent with the current economic system.

Call for Economic Optimism and Trust Restoration

The findings emphasize the urgent need to address economic pessimism. Researchers stress that when individuals see tangible solutions, they become more hopeful and willing to contribute to societal progress, rather than resorting to violence and disinformation. Trust, once earned, fosters optimism and collective action.

A deeper discussion of these results is set to take place at the global virtual launch event for the study on January 21, featuring insights from prominent business leaders and experts. The event aims to explore strategies for rebuilding trust and addressing the root causes of the current crisis.

This study serves as a wake-up call for leaders to prioritize policies and initiatives that restore faith in institutions and address the growing discontent among younger generations. Failure to do so could further entrench the troubling trends revealed in this year’s findings.

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