Why are Americans so anxious? It runs much deeper than politics.

USA Today

a day ago

Will Johnson
opinion contributor
Editor's note: This is the first in an occasional series of columns by Harris Poll CEO Will Johnson, based on polling conducted exclusively for USA TODAY.
America is anxious. From politics to the consequences of social media addiction, there is a societal unease about today and what tomorrow has in store.
That is especially true for young Americans, who have seen rates of loneliness and depression skyrocket in recent years.
When we talk about America's anxiety crisis, the conversation usually defaults to politics. Many Americans are reportedly tuning out the news due to concerns about our elected officials in Washington, DC. Not only did the 2024 election lead to mass stress, but even non-election year partisanship has been linked to social anxiety.
As the American Psychological Association puts it, America is "a nation in political turmoil,' with stress an inevitable byproduct.
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And yet, the situation is far more nuanced than many believe. Americans are not simply paralyzed by politics. Our deepest anxieties reflect the grinding pressures of modern life − from rising costs to family strains. If we wish to address American anxiety, we first have to understand it. And, for that, we have to look far beyond Washington.
Americans are anxious − about a lot of things
Anxiety is indeed widespread, but it is actually driven more by economic, personal and societal pressures than purely political issues.
According to the latest research from The Harris Poll, over three-fourths of Americans (78%) report some level of anxiety, with anxiety rising for more than half the country. The data cited in this column was collected through an online survey of 200 U.S. adults, conducted on June 3 and 4, using Census-matched quotas.
Economic insecurity is at the core. Financial issues like inflation and the cost of living dominate today's anxieties. Nearly six in 10 Americans (57%) feel impacted by the rising cost of living, and that is by far the greatest driver of anxiety.
What is second? Personal financial security (44% impacted).
Third? Inflation and financial instability (43%). It is still the economy, stupid.
Political division is a notable driver of anxiety, but it is just one piece of a much more personal puzzle. Only 27% of Americans report feeling impacted by political anxiety. Health care access, especially in terms of mental health, is more notable.
In truth, many of our anxieties have always existed. They are not unique to the age of artificial intelligence, Trumpian tariffs or Democratic 'wokeness.' They have to do with parenting, caregiving and marital difficulties. Personal and family concerns loom large, with the future of our children weighing heavily.
Technological disruption stokes fears
But the times they are a-changing, and not necessarily for the better.
In terms of anxiety, technological disruption is increasingly on the radar. Whether it's a parent worried about their own job prospects in a ChatGPT-dominated world or their children's future careers, many Americans are worried about the unintended consequences of automation.
As is normally the case, there are multiple factors for us to consider. When most Americans report higher levels of anxiety today than in the past, sweeping generalizations or overly simplistic explanations are not helpful.
What's helpful is analyzing all of the factors, giving extra weight to the top of the list (economic and financial considerations) while recognizing the list in its entirety. For example, in the age of institutional mistrust, 18% of Americans are anxious about community institutions breaking down without knowing if they can be repaired or what may replace them. Add that to the list, too.
Reading the news, it is easy to blame today's politics for American anxiety. However, our concerns predate the Trump administration's squabbles with the Democratic Party or federal agencies, and they will outlast Trump 2.0. To the extent that Washington accelerates anxiety, we should look at pocketbook politics.
Americans are anxious primarily because of their other concerns − the nonpolitical ones, the more personal ones. Perhaps there is a silver lining in Americans concerning themselves more with everyday anxieties than the bitter partisanship on Capitol Hill, but collective concern is a great concern in itself. Now, at least we know which anxieties rule the roost.
Will Johnson serves as CEO at The Harris Poll.