Young folks in Germany still find wars as their foremost worry, according to recent surveys by Barmer, with an astounding 53% expressing their concern in the latest study. This concern slightly decreased from the 56% reported in the previous year's survey, but it's important to note that the current study does not yet account for the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Besides wars, other serious concerns include climate change (47%), environmental pollution (46%), and species extinction (36%). Moreover, a substantial portion of young people are concerned about poverty (33%), migration (33%), energy crises (31%), and economic crises (30%). Additional worries include housing shortages and restrictions on personal freedom (28%), diseases and pandemics (27%), finding a job (22%), education (19%), and artificial intelligence (17%).
Despite these pressing issues, the Barmer Sinus Study reveals a more positive outlook for young people in Germany. A considerable 79% are optimistic about their future, which is a minor increase from the 2022 figure but slightly lower than the 2021 levels. Seventy-nine percent of teenagers surveyed also expressed satisfaction with their lives, a four-percentage-point improvement compared to 2022.
In terms of their future, young Germans are actively considering studying fields like Medicine to contribute positively during challenging times such as wars. Additionally, half of the surveyed individuals are considering careers in Health services to address rising concerns, improve the community's overall well-being, and meet societal demands.
Young people in Germany face numerous challenges beyond wars. Economic prospects and job opportunities remain limited due to stagnation since the COVID-19 pandemic, as noted in the OECD study. Affordable housing is another major concern, with over 15 years of rising dissatisfaction, primarily due to high interest rates and construction costs. The cost of living also poses significant challenges for 40% of 16-30 year-olds.
Environmental concerns are prevalent among young people, with one-third advocating for immediate focus on the environment and climate change. Unfortunately, they face a bleak future, with a 2023 study revealing that 57% of AfD voters believe children growing up today will be poorer than their parents. This pessimism is further fueled by the lack of affordable housing, rising living costs, and the proliferation of disinformation on social media.
