It comes as little surprise, particularly when considering the demographic often referred to as the ‘school shooting generation,’ a group of young individuals deeply affected by the prevalence of such tragedies.
A considerable number of Americans tend to remain within the borders of the United States, their travels often limited to iconic destinations like Niagara Falls or indulgent trips to savor pasta in Italy for a brief vacation. Moreover, many opt to stay rooted in their hometowns, as evidenced by a striking 72% of individuals over 25 years old still residing in or near their birthplace, as per a 2019 survey.
However, there appears to be a shifting trend, particularly among Generation Z, indicating a willingness to venture beyond American shores. A recent survey conducted by Preply, a platform facilitating language learning through tutor connections, sought the opinions of 3,000 Gen Z Americans regarding their inclination towards expatriation. When asked to rate their likelihood of residing outside the U.S. on a scale from 1 (not at all) to 5 (very strongly), the average response was 3.1, signaling a leaning towards international relocation.
Among the primary motivations cited by respondents for considering a move abroad, the appeal of better social programs such as universal healthcare stood out significantly, with 25.6% highlighting this aspect. This sentiment is understandable, given the weight of medical debt burdening many Americans. Additionally, the allure of new cultural experiences (18.9%), the cost of living (18%), and dissatisfaction with American political dynamics (17.7%) contributed to the attractiveness of foreign locales. Notably, one issue deeply intertwined with American politics—gun violence—did not escape the attention of Gen Z. A majority of respondents, accounting for 59%, identified it as a “major” factor influencing their desire to seek residence outside the U.S.
It’s a pragmatic perspective that underscores the significant impact of gun violence on Gen Z, who have been raised amidst school shooting drills and a constant awareness of the looming threat of violence—be it in classrooms, movie theaters, or concert venues. This reality has earned them the moniker of the “school shooting generation.” Unlike any previous generation, they have borne the brunt of numerous tragic mass shootings, whether as direct witnesses or through the pervasive influence of these events on their lives. Unfortunately, the problem persists unabated. In 2023 alone, there were more mass shootings than days, as reported by the Gun Violence Archive. Notably, much of the activism surrounding this issue emanates from Gen Z, exemplified by movements like March for Our Lives, which was initiated by survivors of school shootings.
While the United States grapples with several pressing and disquieting challenges, particularly of a financial nature, for Gen Z, the survey indicates that gun violence emerges as the most urgent concern. It’s a matter of life and death, underscored by stark statistics revealing that gun violence has become the leading cause of death for young Americans, surpassing even cancer, car accidents, homicide, and suicide.
Given this sobering reality, the notion of seeking refuge elsewhere might not be as extreme as it initially appears. For Gen Z, the desire for a life free from the omnipresent threat of gun violence could very well be the driving force behind such considerations.
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