Exclusive Poll: Many Millennials Remain Unconcerned About Coronavirus — Still Socializing, Dining Out, Dating

^In recent days, President Trump, billionaire investor Bill Ackman, numerous governors and several of the nation’s top doctors have scolded young Americans for brushing-off warnings about the deadly coronavirus, ignoring pleas for social distancing and going about their regular social lives. Our latest Forbes Under 30 Voter Survey, Powered by John Zogby Strategies, finds that onslaught of criticism of millennials’ behavior to be well placed.

Completed on March 18, the latest nationwide Forbes Under 30 Poll found that an astounding 35% of Americans aged 18-29 believed that the COVID-19 crisis is overblown. Less than 50% of those polled think that it’s a genuine health threat. 

Many See A Crisis, Others Think The Fear Is Excessive

Answers varied considerably depending on political leanings, with 54% of young Democrats believing it to be a full-fledged crisis versus 38% of Republican respondents. Meanwhile, 32% of Democrats consider the current response by governments, businesses and the media to be over-hyped versus 44% of Republicans.

Democrats Take The Coronavirus Situation Seriously

No matter their party affiliations, millennials’ actions are matching their attitudes. When asked if they have adjusted their routines over the last week, roughly a quarter of young people have not let the virus dampen their social lives —despite urgent warnings to stay home. Take dating: while 43% of people reported that they have gone on fewer dates, because of COVID-19, than the previous week, an astounding 38% said they are dating the same as usual. And 12% said that they are dating more often. Those numbers are roughly the same when it comes to gathering with friends and dining out in restaurants.

Many Are Not Changing Their Social Habits

When it comes to managing the the coronavirus threat, young Americans trust Democratic frontrunner Joe Biden over President Trump. Nearly 50% of those polled would prefer Biden to lead the fight against the pandemic versus 36% who felt better with Trump in the White House.

Millennials Think Biden Could Handle The Crisis Better

But they don’t have much faith in either politician in dealing with the crisis. Of those polled, 18% considered Trump highly trustworthy in dealing with COVID-19, while just 16% found Biden highly credible on the issue.

Neither Biden Nor Trump Win High Marks For Trust

Corporate America received even lower marks. The Forbes Under 30 Poll reported that 20% of young Americans considered U.S. CEOs to be highly untrustworthy in handling COVID-19. Only 12% of those surveyed believed CEOs could capably control the virus. Public health organizations fared much better. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had the confidence of nearly 70% of the respondents, while the World Health Organization had the support of 75%. 

Young People Have More Faith In The CDC Than In CEOs

The world now is responding quickly and aggressively to the coronavirus threat. In the U.S., leaders are making it hard for Americans of all ages to gather and socialize. Many schools are shuttered, and offices are off-limits, beaches are blocked, and bars are barred. California’s governor issued a statewide order for residents to stay at home.

Our next Forbes Under 30 Poll will reveal how these more extreme isolation measures and business closures impact young people’s attitudes—and dating life. 

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