167: The Kids Are Not Alright

From Isolation to Insurrection: The Political Vacuum Fueling Gen Z Extremism

They operate in the shadows of social media, hidden behind encrypted chats and anonymous handles. The 764 youth extremist network—a decentralized group blending neo-fascist ideology, violent nihilism, and disturbing cyber exploitation—epitomizes a growing crisis: youth radicalization in the digital age. Yet, this phenomenon extends beyond any single sinister organization. It speaks to a broader generational shift towards extremist engagement, driven by isolation, alienation, and critically, legitimate feelings of powerlessness.

Recent polling highlights a troubling trend. Young men, particularly in North America and Europe, are increasingly aligning themselves with far-right ideologies. A remarkable 45% of American Gen Z males support President Trump, nearly double the support found among their female peers. In Canada, nearly half of men aged 18-34 identify with conservative populism. These figures aren't mere statistics; they signal a profound shift toward radical, yet highly engaged, political action rooted in a rejection of perceived powerlessness and exclusion.

The 764 network leverages exactly this sense of exclusion. Its sophisticated online manipulation tactics specifically target vulnerable youth—often those facing mental health struggles or social alienation—promising distorted versions of community, purpose, and power. Members aren't simply drawn into hateful ideologies; they're mobilized into violence, exploitation, and self-harm. Law enforcement identifies them among the gravest digital threats today, underscoring a deeply troubling intersection between radicalization and political mobilization.

The critical intersection here is not disengagement but extreme engagement. Youth radicalization signifies a crisis of democratic participation. When legitimate avenues for political expression feel closed or insufficient, extremist groups offer compelling, albeit dangerous, alternatives. Today's radicalized youth are highly politically engaged; the challenge is redirecting that energy away from extremism toward constructive democratic participation.

Addressing this crisis demands far more profound action than merely teaching digital or media literacy. The issue is fundamentally about empowerment and inclusion. Young people correctly perceive themselves as powerless within traditional political systems. To counteract radicalization, democratic structures must evolve to genuinely empower youth—giving them substantive roles in shaping policy, decision-making processes, and community governance. This empowerment must extend beyond symbolic gestures, involving authentic participatory democracy initiatives, youth-led policy-making bodies, and meaningful pathways into civic leadership.

Crucially, this ties into our broader vision of a resurgence in commons-based organizing. Commons-based frameworks offer tangible models for youth empowerment by emphasizing collaborative decision-making, equitable resource management, and direct community engagement. By creating inclusive and accessible commons-based institutions—whether in education, employment, or civic life—we can provide young people with meaningful power and agency, reducing their vulnerability to extremist recruitment.

Ultimately, the challenge we face is clear: either proactively integrate and empower youth within democratic and commons-based processes, or risk further entrenching a cycle of extremism and political violence. The signals are impossible to ignore. The real question is: are we ready to fundamentally reshape our institutions to genuinely share power with the generation most desperate for change?