New research shows that 63% of the Gen Z population does not believe in moral absolutes. The release of the new Gen Z Volume 3 research by Impact 360 Institute and Barna shows that the majority of Gen Z believes that what is “morally right or wrong changes over time”.¹
Where does their moral compass come from then?
Their moral code is evolving and is more flexible compared to previous generations. This generation is comfortable with people who are different than them and seemingly more accepting of opinions that are different from their own. While at the same time, Gen Z’s wariness is wearing off as they become more willing to recognize some ideas as absolutely wrong or simply incorrect.
A large portion of Gen Z feels that society has the right to declare what is morally correct.
An article from Christian Post says, “the younger an adult is, the less likely they are to believe in truth”, which is a concerning reality about the next generation.
Barna shares more on this topic, as the data has changed significantly since our first report in 2016: “For the most part, Gen Z strongly agree what is morally right or wrong can change over time based on society. But there has been a significant jump in the number who disagree with this statement, from 20 percent to 27 percent, since 2016. There are some things Gen Z say can and should be “backed up.” Two in three (66%) agree that they need evidence to support their beliefs. Yet, even with this reported emphasis on factual support, there are some areas where Gen Z prioritize an individuals’ beliefs over absolute truths. Nearly three in five Gen Z (57%) agree there are facts we can know about scientific questions, but not religious or moral questions. Gen Z are much more willing to believe what is morally right or wrong depends on what an individual believes (60%).”
73% of Gen Z also believe in some form of “higher power”.² Gen Z is looking for answers, and as Christians, we want to point them toward truth.
At Impact 360 Institute, we are wholly focused on working with Gen Z, and live alongside hundreds of them per year. We asked one of our staff members of our College-Aged program, Impact 360 Fellows, his perspective on this data point.
“These findings are not unexpected to me. As someone who often engages in spiritual discussions with Gen Z, many of whom do not consider themselves religious, I’ve realized that people cannot escape their inherent nature. Spiritual beings naturally contemplate and desire to discuss spiritual matters because they are created in God’s image. Even non-religious members of Gen Z tend to express that they pray and believe there must be something beyond themselves.” -Mitch Mask, Discipleship Manager, Impact 360 Institute
To gain more insights on Gen Z, purchase Gen Z Vol. 3 here
Learn more about Impact 360 Institute and our programs
¹ Gen Z Volume 3, p.76
² Gen Z Volume 3, p.15