Rachel Janfaza
@racheljanfaza.bsky.social
Founder of upandupstrategies.com | theupandup.us | Gen Z political analyst and writer
See you soon, @alivitali.bsky.social !
Another Monday with @waytooearly.bsky.social:
☀️ @lbarronlopez.bsky.social
🥶 Moses Small
☕️ @racheljanfaza.bsky.social
🌅 Mychael Schnell
Starting your week up early? Tell us why, here or email waytooearly@ms.now. #waytooearly
☀️ @lbarronlopez.bsky.social
🥶 Moses Small
☕️ @racheljanfaza.bsky.social
🌅 Mychael Schnell
Starting your week up early? Tell us why, here or email waytooearly@ms.now. #waytooearly
December 8, 2025 at 9:46 AM
See you soon, @alivitali.bsky.social !
In today’s edition of The Up and Up, I look at two new polls showing notable acceptance of political violence among gen z and break down a growing compassion recession.
It’s an important window into a chilling way to grow up. I hope you’ll give it a read. www.theupandup.us/p/vigilante-...
It’s an important window into a chilling way to grow up. I hope you’ll give it a read. www.theupandup.us/p/vigilante-...
'Vigilante justice' and a compassion recession
New polls show notable acceptance of political violence among gen z. The Up and Up Community weighs in.
www.theupandup.us
December 4, 2025 at 6:10 PM
In today’s edition of The Up and Up, I look at two new polls showing notable acceptance of political violence among gen z and break down a growing compassion recession.
It’s an important window into a chilling way to grow up. I hope you’ll give it a read. www.theupandup.us/p/vigilante-...
It’s an important window into a chilling way to grow up. I hope you’ll give it a read. www.theupandup.us/p/vigilante-...
Perhaps the most striking part of this fall's @harvardiop.bsky.social youth poll is that nearly 40% of young Americans say political violence is sometimes acceptable.
December 4, 2025 at 2:38 PM
Perhaps the most striking part of this fall's @harvardiop.bsky.social youth poll is that nearly 40% of young Americans say political violence is sometimes acceptable.
Just last night, a 19-year-old told me the biggest generational divide in his community is "support for vigilante justice" or "to just go all out and burn it down."
Today, new Gallup/Kettering data shows nearly 1 in 3 young Americans say political violence is sometimes OK.
Today, new Gallup/Kettering data shows nearly 1 in 3 young Americans say political violence is sometimes OK.
December 3, 2025 at 3:40 PM
Just last night, a 19-year-old told me the biggest generational divide in his community is "support for vigilante justice" or "to just go all out and burn it down."
Today, new Gallup/Kettering data shows nearly 1 in 3 young Americans say political violence is sometimes OK.
Today, new Gallup/Kettering data shows nearly 1 in 3 young Americans say political violence is sometimes OK.
According the News Literacy Project:
▪️84% of teens describe news media negatively
If we want the generation that was raised to question everything they see online to trust news, we need to rewire their habits, centering agency in the process.
More here: www.theupandup.us/p/teens-amer...
▪️84% of teens describe news media negatively
If we want the generation that was raised to question everything they see online to trust news, we need to rewire their habits, centering agency in the process.
More here: www.theupandup.us/p/teens-amer...
756 teens reveal America’s news crisis
Plus, Sabrina Carpenter claps back at the White House, YouTube’s clout, and a 14-year-old gubernatorial candidate.
www.theupandup.us
December 2, 2025 at 8:54 PM
According the News Literacy Project:
▪️84% of teens describe news media negatively
If we want the generation that was raised to question everything they see online to trust news, we need to rewire their habits, centering agency in the process.
More here: www.theupandup.us/p/teens-amer...
▪️84% of teens describe news media negatively
If we want the generation that was raised to question everything they see online to trust news, we need to rewire their habits, centering agency in the process.
More here: www.theupandup.us/p/teens-amer...
AI literacy should be the *bare minimum* for all future members of Congress. Our generation is counting on it.
So I spoke with next-gen candidate @alexbores.nyc about becoming the first target of a push from an $100M AI super PAC. www.theupandup.us/p/its-the-fi...
So I spoke with next-gen candidate @alexbores.nyc about becoming the first target of a push from an $100M AI super PAC. www.theupandup.us/p/its-the-fi...
It’s the first AI election. But it won’t be the last.
Q&A with congressional candidate Alex Bores, the first target of an AI super PAC. “Let's have the debate. Let me know the time and the place,” he told The Up and Up.
www.theupandup.us
November 25, 2025 at 7:56 PM
AI literacy should be the *bare minimum* for all future members of Congress. Our generation is counting on it.
So I spoke with next-gen candidate @alexbores.nyc about becoming the first target of a push from an $100M AI super PAC. www.theupandup.us/p/its-the-fi...
So I spoke with next-gen candidate @alexbores.nyc about becoming the first target of a push from an $100M AI super PAC. www.theupandup.us/p/its-the-fi...
Isolationism (yes, 'America First' ideology) is rising in gen z men, but not just amongst gen z conservatives, per @ymriofficial.bsky.social.
I've heard this over and over in my listening sessions: 'America has enough issues at home. Why focus on problems abroad?'
It's a generational shift.
I've heard this over and over in my listening sessions: 'America has enough issues at home. Why focus on problems abroad?'
It's a generational shift.
November 24, 2025 at 3:06 PM
Isolationism (yes, 'America First' ideology) is rising in gen z men, but not just amongst gen z conservatives, per @ymriofficial.bsky.social.
I've heard this over and over in my listening sessions: 'America has enough issues at home. Why focus on problems abroad?'
It's a generational shift.
I've heard this over and over in my listening sessions: 'America has enough issues at home. Why focus on problems abroad?'
It's a generational shift.
The political parenting gap amongst young women is big, and it’s relatively new.
November 23, 2025 at 11:38 PM
The political parenting gap amongst young women is big, and it’s relatively new.
Everyone has a take on whether Gen Z is “screwed.” So I asked them. www.theupandup.us/p/is-gen-z-s...
Everyone has a take on whether young people are “screwed.” So I asked them.
"I feel like I’m playing by rules that may change halfway through the game," one told me.
www.theupandup.us
November 20, 2025 at 10:27 PM
Everyone has a take on whether Gen Z is “screwed.” So I asked them. www.theupandup.us/p/is-gen-z-s...
GEN Z TIDBITS FROM NEW MARIST POLL
- D+34 on generic 2026 ballot
- Most likely gen cohort to say peace between Israel & Gaza should be top priority for Trump admin
- Least likely to say lowering prices should be top priority
- Most likely gen cohort to say Trump was responsible for the govt shutdown
- D+34 on generic 2026 ballot
- Most likely gen cohort to say peace between Israel & Gaza should be top priority for Trump admin
- Least likely to say lowering prices should be top priority
- Most likely gen cohort to say Trump was responsible for the govt shutdown
November 19, 2025 at 9:42 PM
GEN Z TIDBITS FROM NEW MARIST POLL
- D+34 on generic 2026 ballot
- Most likely gen cohort to say peace between Israel & Gaza should be top priority for Trump admin
- Least likely to say lowering prices should be top priority
- Most likely gen cohort to say Trump was responsible for the govt shutdown
- D+34 on generic 2026 ballot
- Most likely gen cohort to say peace between Israel & Gaza should be top priority for Trump admin
- Least likely to say lowering prices should be top priority
- Most likely gen cohort to say Trump was responsible for the govt shutdown
Today in The Up and Up: Teen Girls’ Interest in Marriage Has Collapsed Since the ’90s.
There’s been a 22-point drop ⬇️ in teen girls’ desire to get married over the past three decades. And teen girls are now LESS likely than teen boys to say they want to get married, according to data from Pew.
There’s been a 22-point drop ⬇️ in teen girls’ desire to get married over the past three decades. And teen girls are now LESS likely than teen boys to say they want to get married, according to data from Pew.
November 18, 2025 at 10:36 PM
Today in The Up and Up: Teen Girls’ Interest in Marriage Has Collapsed Since the ’90s.
There’s been a 22-point drop ⬇️ in teen girls’ desire to get married over the past three decades. And teen girls are now LESS likely than teen boys to say they want to get married, according to data from Pew.
There’s been a 22-point drop ⬇️ in teen girls’ desire to get married over the past three decades. And teen girls are now LESS likely than teen boys to say they want to get married, according to data from Pew.
I talk a lot about the two Gen Zs. Tech is a huge dividing line.
Pre-COVID kids and post-COVID kids grew up in two different worlds.
We’re about to say the same for pre-AI vs. post-AI.
Pre-COVID kids and post-COVID kids grew up in two different worlds.
We’re about to say the same for pre-AI vs. post-AI.
November 15, 2025 at 2:54 PM
I talk a lot about the two Gen Zs. Tech is a huge dividing line.
Pre-COVID kids and post-COVID kids grew up in two different worlds.
We’re about to say the same for pre-AI vs. post-AI.
Pre-COVID kids and post-COVID kids grew up in two different worlds.
We’re about to say the same for pre-AI vs. post-AI.
Can’t wait for this with the one and only @katiephang.bsky.social !! Hope to see you all soon.
It’s @racheljanfaza.bsky.social at 4 pm ET/3 pm CT for a Substack Live!
I wanted to hear the latest on the GenZ 11/4 election results and what issues are currently driving that voting group.
See y’all soon!
substack.com/@katiephang
I wanted to hear the latest on the GenZ 11/4 election results and what issues are currently driving that voting group.
See y’all soon!
substack.com/@katiephang
Katie Phang | Substack
Truth-Teller | Independent Journalist and Legal Analyst | Trial Lawyer | Fighting for OUR Democracy | "Law and Disorder" Substack | "Though She Be But Little, She Is Fierce"
substack.com
November 14, 2025 at 8:40 PM
Can’t wait for this with the one and only @katiephang.bsky.social !! Hope to see you all soon.
Reposted by Rachel Janfaza
Progressive Gen Z women recognize the existence of male loneliness, but aren't so sure that the solutions aren't also progressive.
@racheljanfaza.bsky.social discuss that and more with @sarahlongwell25.bsky.social on The Focus Group:
@racheljanfaza.bsky.social discuss that and more with @sarahlongwell25.bsky.social on The Focus Group:
November 8, 2025 at 2:31 PM
Progressive Gen Z women recognize the existence of male loneliness, but aren't so sure that the solutions aren't also progressive.
@racheljanfaza.bsky.social discuss that and more with @sarahlongwell25.bsky.social on The Focus Group:
@racheljanfaza.bsky.social discuss that and more with @sarahlongwell25.bsky.social on The Focus Group:
Always talking about the two gen Zs. Loved joining @arimelber.bsky.social with @mollyjongfast.bsky.social last night to discuss young voters in the 2025 elections.
November 7, 2025 at 6:24 PM
Always talking about the two gen Zs. Loved joining @arimelber.bsky.social with @mollyjongfast.bsky.social last night to discuss young voters in the 2025 elections.
By blaming young women for election outcomes, Republicans risk further alienating them.
November 7, 2025 at 2:05 AM
By blaming young women for election outcomes, Republicans risk further alienating them.
There are plenty of reasons why young women prefer Democrats (more on that below)... But one thing’s for sure. Republicans aren’t helping themselves win them over. www.theupandup.us/p/genz-women...
Young women are the story
And here's how to piss them off...
www.theupandup.us
November 6, 2025 at 10:15 PM
There are plenty of reasons why young women prefer Democrats (more on that below)... But one thing’s for sure. Republicans aren’t helping themselves win them over. www.theupandup.us/p/genz-women...
FYI, it’s this kind of thing that pisses off young women
November 6, 2025 at 5:52 PM
FYI, it’s this kind of thing that pisses off young women
Reposted by Rachel Janfaza
Gen Alpha 1.0’s politics are forming, and fast. Their worldview is being shaped by a completely different set of events than the generation before them. That will impact how they vote.
August 5, 2025 at 11:43 PM
Gen Alpha 1.0’s politics are forming, and fast. Their worldview is being shaped by a completely different set of events than the generation before them. That will impact how they vote.
Ahead of July 4th, I checked in with young Americans about patriotism. Like Gallup, I found that less than half of Gen Z feels proud to be American. But they don't hate America. In fact, they want to love it. 🧵
July 3, 2025 at 5:29 PM
Ahead of July 4th, I checked in with young Americans about patriotism. Like Gallup, I found that less than half of Gen Z feels proud to be American. But they don't hate America. In fact, they want to love it. 🧵
We’ve entered the gloomcycle.
I spoke to more than 50 members of Gen Z. Not one felt fully confident about the direction our country is going in.
So what can we do about it? Thanks to @sulliview.bsky.social for sharing more. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
I spoke to more than 50 members of Gen Z. Not one felt fully confident about the direction our country is going in.
So what can we do about it? Thanks to @sulliview.bsky.social for sharing more. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Welcome to a new ‘gloomcycle’ of news. Here’s how to stop compulsive scrolling | Margaret Sullivan
As Americans, we need to know what’s happening so we can act. But that doesn’t mean constant online immersion
www.theguardian.com
June 20, 2025 at 6:03 PM
We’ve entered the gloomcycle.
I spoke to more than 50 members of Gen Z. Not one felt fully confident about the direction our country is going in.
So what can we do about it? Thanks to @sulliview.bsky.social for sharing more. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
I spoke to more than 50 members of Gen Z. Not one felt fully confident about the direction our country is going in.
So what can we do about it? Thanks to @sulliview.bsky.social for sharing more. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted by Rachel Janfaza
"Gloomcycle"
That's what we're trapped in
A new term enters the lexicon...
Thanks to @racheljanfaza.bsky.social
theupandup.us/p/welcome-to...
That's what we're trapped in
A new term enters the lexicon...
Thanks to @racheljanfaza.bsky.social
theupandup.us/p/welcome-to...
June 18, 2025 at 2:14 AM
"Gloomcycle"
That's what we're trapped in
A new term enters the lexicon...
Thanks to @racheljanfaza.bsky.social
theupandup.us/p/welcome-to...
That's what we're trapped in
A new term enters the lexicon...
Thanks to @racheljanfaza.bsky.social
theupandup.us/p/welcome-to...
After an intense college experience, the class of 2025 is graduating into chaos.
June 10, 2025 at 4:50 PM
After an intense college experience, the class of 2025 is graduating into chaos.
Beyond this, @chiosse.bsky.social is part of the demo he’s trying to reach. It’s not just that he’s young… He gets the internet. He grew up on it.
He knows what feels cringe vs. what doesn’t. That’s part of the authenticity he talks about. It’s lived, not just performed.
He knows what feels cringe vs. what doesn’t. That’s part of the authenticity he talks about. It’s lived, not just performed.
June 9, 2025 at 5:44 PM
Beyond this, @chiosse.bsky.social is part of the demo he’s trying to reach. It’s not just that he’s young… He gets the internet. He grew up on it.
He knows what feels cringe vs. what doesn’t. That’s part of the authenticity he talks about. It’s lived, not just performed.
He knows what feels cringe vs. what doesn’t. That’s part of the authenticity he talks about. It’s lived, not just performed.