In the era of social media and technology, Generation Z is often associated with a digital and modern lifestyle. However, new data gathered in the US paints a more complex picture of this age group.
According to The Harris Poll report from September 2026, members of Generation Z are more likely than previous generations to consider themselves religious. Furthermore, there is an increased interest in practices such as meditation, manifestation, community involvement, and in-person interaction.
Data from The Harris Poll indicates that 33% of Gen Z adults identify as religious. This figure exceeds the percentages among Millennials (19%), Generation X (22%), and Baby Boomers (18%). Moreover, only 19% of Gen Z members do not identify as either religious or spiritual, which is the lowest proportion among all surveyed generations.
The interest extends beyond simple religious self-identification. The report states that 88% of Gen Z adults regularly engage in at least one religious or spiritual activity. These activities include prayer, reading religious literature, attending religious services, meditation, manifestation, astrology, or energy work.
The report also identified one reason for this trend. 57% of Gen Z respondents reported turning to manifestation or spiritual practices to feel greater control over their future. Additionally, 69% mentioned wanting to acquire new skills or undergo training in the past year, 62% wished to start creative projects, and 59% aimed to change their jobs to align with their desired lifestyle.
The community aspect of Generation Z is also of particular interest. 60% of Gen Z members stated that they are now part of more real and personal communities compared to the past. Moreover, 70% plan to join even more such communities in the future, and 57% noted becoming more active in local communities last year. Thus, offline spaces, such as running clubs, interest groups, volunteer groups, or religious communities, are gaining significance for Generation Z.
Concurrently, local opposition to AI data centers is growing in the US. According to Fortune, in the Data Center Watch report, data center projects valued at over $228 billion have faced halts or delays since early 2025. Over 500 local municipalities across 39 states have implemented bans, moratoria, or other restrictions.
In another study by The Harris Poll, 73% of Americans stated they do not support the imposition of AI on their communities, while 68% believe AI can be useful but feel it is being 'imposed' upon them.
The Harris Poll shows that 70% of Gen Z members feel that the promised future has not materialized. Furthermore, 61% mentioned having to forgo medical care due to financial difficulties. There is a divergence of views between business leaders and workers regarding the economic benefits of AI: 68% of business leaders expect improvement within five years thanks to AI, whereas only 27% of workers share this view.
The report also revealed that 71% of Gen Z members sought help or relied on others when needed in the past year, which is higher than among other generations surveyed. Therefore, The Harris Poll links the growing interest of Generation Z in religion and spirituality not only to religious identity but also to the search for connection, community belonging, and control over their own future.
Overall, the religious and spiritual interest of Generation Z cannot be reduced solely to acts of worship. The data presented in the report suggests that for this generation, aspects such as spirituality, a group of people to meet face-to-face, and a sense of connection with others are important. While technology and AI are rapidly becoming part of their lives, this trend of Generation Z raises the question: is this generation seeking more real and meaningful connections amidst the digital world?
