Youth between hope and stress: What the future really looks like!

Youth between hope and stress: What the future really looks like!

The current trend study “Youth in Germany 2025”, edited by Simon Schnetzer, Kilian Hampel and Klaus Hurrelmann, provides a comprehensive insight into the realities of life and future prospects of young people in Germany. With a representative survey of 6,034 people ages 14 to 69 conducted between January 10 and February 26, 2025, the results are both alarming and encouraging.

Despite the challenges caused by the economic crisis, inflation and the climate crisis, young people are showing themselves to be responsible and are pushing for an active role in shaping their living conditions. According to the study, 65% of young respondents are satisfied with their personal future, demonstrating continued optimism amid structural uncertainty. This is in contrast to the middle age groups, where only 30% believe their personal satisfaction will improve.

Psychological stress and social challenges

Nevertheless, the mental health of the young generation is a central point of the study. Almost one in four young people, i.e. 25%, consider psychological treatment necessary. Stress levels are high, 49% report stress, while 34% complain of exhaustion. These numbers reflect the ongoing concerns plaguing youth: 62% are worried about the Ukraine crisis, 57% about economic uncertainty and 48% about housing availability. Climate change is also a major concern for young people, with 47% fearing it. This can also be seen in the results of the study, where young people identify psychological stress as one of the causes of their dissatisfaction, with 55% finding the use of social media stressful.

The study authors emphasize the urgency of rethinking the political framework. Only 12% of those surveyed believe that the federal government is making the right decisions. This lack of trust leads many young people to gravitate towards alternative or radical groups, not out of indifference, but out of growing disappointment. These political findings are worrying and reflect the resentment that many young people feel towards established parties.

Economic perspectives and future society

Economically, young people are under constant stress: 20% are in debt and more than half are worried about the rising cost of living. Nevertheless, 81% of young workers are employed full-time, which shows that they are ready to perform. At the same time, however, a third of this group regularly feels burned out. There is a strong willingness to pay higher pension contributions to protect older generations; 76% reject a reduction in pension levels. This calls for an appropriate intergenerational contract.

The digital world is perceived as both an opportunity and a challenge. 70% of young people feel confident using digital media and are increasingly using AI-supported tools. This shows that digitalization plays a major role not only in the world of work, but also in everyday life. With 64% saying that smartphones make their everyday lives more efficient, the study illustrates the adaptable nature of today's youth.

A central finding of the study is that family, partnerships and friendships are essential sources of meaning for young people. These social connections are essential for overcoming life's challenges and promoting mental health.

The trend study “Youth in Germany 2025” is part of a series of surveys that have been carried out since 2010 and now provide a generational comparison. The results make it clear that, despite all the challenges, the majority of 14 to 29 year olds are optimistic about the future. The new federal government is called upon to improve the social and economic conditions for this generation in order to promote solidarity and stability tagesschau.de and world.de confirm.