Election Day Through Gen Z Eyes
And are you a social media stalker, according to Gen Z?
POV: Election Day on My College Campus
The experience began at midnight for one student from New Hampshire, a state deeply rooted in political tradition. In the remote town of Dixville Notch, six voters gathered to uphold a long-standing custom: casting the nation’s first ballots in the presidential election. This year, the symbolic town saw a split decision—three votes for each candidate—foreshadowing the division soon to unfold nationwide.
From early morning classes, where professors offered small gestures of reassurance, to students sharing their anxieties and encouragement on campus social platforms, the day was marked by both tension and solidarity. As night fell and election results became clearer, a quiet resilience settled over the students—a shared commitment to being present as history unfolded:
“I think about Harris’ concession speech. I was especially moved by her address to young people like myself: “You have power, and don’t you ever listen when anyone tells you something is impossible because it has never been done before. You have the capacity to do extraordinary good in the world. And so to everyone who is watching, do not despair. This is not a time to throw up our hands. This is a time to roll up our sleeves.” — Olivia Morrison, Gen Z
Have time? Read the full article here.
When Does A Social Pulse Check Become Social Stalking? Gen Z Weighs In...
Social media stalking is a guilty pleasure that comes with a very fine line. That line? When occasional curiosity turns into excessive behavior. 81% of Youthtellers (aged 12-27) openly admit to stalking their ex's profiles.
Some of their rationalizations? "It's normal," "Everyone does it," "It's acceptable because the information is public—if their profile were private, it’d be different." And we get it, it's natural to be curious about past relationships.
But while they indulge in this behavior, they also acknowledge that it often makes them uncomfortable. They recognize its potential to negatively impact their mental health. As one Youthteller puts it: "It gives a false sense of connection or understanding with someone we may no longer be connected to. Social media only shows the best moments—never the sadness, despair, or disappointment. So when we check, we're fed false narratives that can make us anxious."
Where else do they draw the line?
Creating fake accounts to view private profiles
Using the information to harass or contact someone
Digging too deep into someone's personal life
Making it a daily habit
*This article was originally posted on Substack. Click HERE to subscribe.