Young folks in Germany, as per the Barmer Sinus Study, hold a multitude of concerns, with the environment and wars taking center stage. The survey highlights climate change as the top worry at 47%, closely followed by environmental pollution at 46%. Species extinction rounds up the trio, making up 36% of young people's environmental concerns.
Interestingly, poverty and migration are also near the top of their worries, with 33% each expressing concern. Nearly a third (31%) fear energy crises, and 30% fret over economic crises.
Residential issues and personal freedom restrictions also rank high, with 28% concerned about housing shortages and 27% worried about these liberties. Diseases and pandemics are pressing worries for around one in five, and just over 19% frets over job prospects, with education and AI concerns affecting 17% and 19% of young individuals, respectively.
Despite these concerns, the study shows a glimmer of hope. Young people in Germany are generally optimistic about their future, with 79% expressing optimism, up by four percentage points from the previous year, although still lower than 2021 levels. Moreover, 81% report being satisfied with their lives, a slight increase from the previous year.
Enrichment:
Barmer's Sinus Study delves into the environmental and societal concerns of young people in Germany. It covers themes like climate change, health, well-being, cyberbullying, political engagement, AI, and decision-making processes. The study also uncovers trends and changes in young people's views from 2022 to 2023, giving an insight into their evolving priorities and perspectives.
