Teens Worry About Economy, But Will It Affect Their Voting Behavior?

MTV’s new survey of 14 to 17 year-olds shows teenagers are worried about the economy — as they should be.

Unlike the “Yes We Can” optimistic older millennials, this younger group of teenagers has a raised awareness of economic problems, MTV says.

“At age 13 they know they won’t find their dream job right away,” Ms. Hillhouse said. More than three-quarters of 14- to 17-year-olds interviewed said, “I worry about the negative impact that today’s economy will have on me or my future.”

Viacom, the parent company of MTV, is known for its in-depth audience research and for matching that research with marketers’ needs. MTV will take its latest findings to advertisers like Procter & Gamble, Unilever and Pepsi to help inform them about what type of ads will work on this more pragmatic group of teenagers.

While MTV goes about targeting programming and advertising to these survey results, I wonder about the impact on public policy and voting behavior. Will these teens follow the pattern of voting for candidates who espouse liberal, big government views? If they’re truly concerned about their economic future, they shouldn’t. Fiscal conservatives should reach out to these folks.