Today’s Youth: A Lost Generation?

“What does it mean to be young in times of crisis?” – that’s what the radio station Ö3 asked its listeners and received around 35,000 answers in the past few weeks, which were scientifically evaluated by the social research institute SORA and have now been presented.

A key result: “Generation Z” does not feel that politicians have heard enough after one year of the Corona state of emergency. In addition, the restriction of social contacts during the corona pandemic hits young people in the phase of “going into the world” with full force. 51 percent of them report that they suffer massively from the reduced social contacts.

What makes the boys happy

In addition, many are very worried about their financial situation. Around three quarters of those surveyed also fear that they will have to bear the mountain of debt alone after the pandemic.

Questions were also asked about what the boys need to be happy. This showed that friends (92 percent) and music (90 percent) are particularly important for 16 to 25 year olds.

In third place is the right to vote with 79 percent. This has become more important compared to 2016, explained Martina Zandonella from the SORA Institute at an online press conference in Vienna. At that time, a comparable survey was carried out among young people on the “Generation What?” carried out.

Almost all of them “luckily” have someone to talk to when things are going badly for them. On the other hand, things such as cell phones, the Internet, sex or their own car are less important to the young. Only half of the respondents believe that the opportunities for everyone in the Austrian education system are the same. A loss of confidence has occurred in the past five years, especially among schoolchildren and people with a difficult financial situation. Nevertheless, around two thirds of the survey participants are positive about the future. Just as many reject the attribution of “lost generation” for themselves: “We are not a lost generation – so not the Corona generation either!” And more than half also see Corona as an opportunity to do better in the future – “but that can only be done together”, so the tenor.

“Pros & Cons” on the subject: Is today’s youth a lost generation?

Numbers on the subject

• 50 questions Austria’s young people were able to answer online from March 1st to 21st about their life, the future and “being young in the pandemic”. The project was scientifically supported by the social research institute SORA.
• 92 percent cannot imagine a happy life without friends. “Music” follows directly behind with 90 percent.
• 51 percent of 16 to 25-year-olds stated that they suffered massively from the contact restrictions during the corona pandemic.
• 2/3 of the young Austrians look optimistically into the future, their self-efficacy – i.e. the conviction that they are in control of their own lives – has declined. After a year of pandemic, 46 percent think so, in 2016 it was 54 percent.

Your opinion matters. Vote!