Recent findings reported in The Times*, based on a Channel 4 study, have sparked significant concern for Advita Patel, a Communications and Inclusion Strategist and founder of CommsRebel.
The study revealed that 52% of Gen Z respondents support authoritarianism and radicalism, with 33% believing the country would be better off under military rule. Equally alarming for Advita, who is the new President of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations, is the statistic showing that 45% of male respondents feel that efforts to promote women’s equality have gone too far and now discriminate against men.
“Yesterday’s article in The Times stopped me in my tracks,” says Advita. “How can so many young people be in favour of turning the UK into a dictatorship? These findings are a stark wake-up call and highlight the urgent need to address misinformation and its influence on shaping opinions. This is not just a matter for parents and educators, it is a challenge leadership teams in the workplace must confront too.”
She adds, “This generation has grown up in a media environment flooded with misinformation, biased reporting, and unchecked opinions from influencers. These statistics show the profound effect this has had. If we fail to educate and inspire the next generation, we risk creating a society built on ignorance and inequality instead of inclusion and collaboration. Without intervention, today’s misinformed voices could become tomorrow’s leaders, perpetuating cycles of division and exclusion.”
Leadership’s role in tackling misinformation
The study highlights the critical role organisational leaders must play in combating misinformation and fostering critical thinking, and key actions include:
- Encouraging employees to fact-check opinions and sources.
- Embedding misinformation awareness into induction and training programmes.
- Leading by example and demonstrating inclusive leadership that values diverse voices and perspectives.
“Leadership is about making the table bigger, not excluding voices,” says Advita. “This research shows there is still much work to be done. By investing in education and awareness, we can nurture future leaders who prioritise fairness, truth, and collaboration. Beyond tackling misinformation, organisations must actively champion inclusivity. Leaders must show through their actions that success is not about taking opportunities away from one group but creating environments where everyone thrives.”
Advita Patel, Founder of CommsRebel, helps organisations cultivate inclusive cultures through effective communications so all colleagues can belong and thrive in their work. With more than two decades worth of experience, Advita is committed to helping leaders understand how communication can transform cultures so their colleagues can thrive rather than just survive. Alongside CommsRebel, Advita is the co-founder of A Leader Like Me and The Asian Communications Network. She’s currently the President of the Chartered Institute of Public relations and in 2023 she co-authored the best-selling book, Building a Culture of Inclusivity, with Priya Bates.
*The Times article: Gen Z doubts about democracy laid bare in worrying survey
Article originally published in Business In The News (Mark Baker)
