Those who take on responsibility shape the future. But why do some take on more than others? And how can we live responsibility in a way that empowers rather than overwhelms? In this episode, learn which societal patterns promote or hinder responsibility, why a culture of learning from mistakes plays a key role – and how we can rethink responsibility as a shared resource.
Responsibility means more than guilt and duty – it's also an invitation to participate in shaping the future. But who still takes responsibility today? And why is it so crucial for social cohesion, especially in times of crisis? In this episode, you'll learn why a willingness to take responsibility is highly valued by many people, how understanding differs between generations – and why we need to rethink responsibility: not as a burden, but as a resource for a fairer and more sustainable society.
In a world where we are bombarded daily with a flood of news, posts, and online content, it's crucial not only to be tech-savvy but also to know how to evaluate information. But are we up to this challenge? In this episode, learn why digital competence is becoming the most important skill for the future and is more than just knowing how to use your smartphone. We explore how algorithms trap us in filter bubbles and why even digital natives often struggle to understand the mechanisms behind them. And we show you which strategies can help us build a "digital immune system" to distinguish between truth and fake news.
Advertising used to be linear and massive. Today, ads are personalized, data-driven, and almost invisible. While we leisurely scroll through online shops, AI-powered processes often run in the background, encouraging us to buy. But what does this development mean for us as consumers? And will we even be able to decide for ourselves what we buy in the future? In this episode, learn how AI tests in real time what works best. We explain what predictive shopping is, discuss the dangers when algorithms know our emotional vulnerabilities, and explore why digital literacy is becoming the most important skill of the future.
Every click, every search, every app – we leave countless digital traces. The relationship between security and freedom lies at the heart of one of the greatest areas of tension in our time. On the one hand, the desire for protection from crime is growing, while on the other hand, freedom is a highly valued asset. In this episode, learn why 78% of German citizens say that security measures should not disproportionately restrict personal freedom. We discuss the psychology of security, the concept of "freedom through security," and how new technologies like artificial intelligence are redefining the balance between protection and freedom.
Smartphones are everywhere, but the constant distraction disrupts our social interactions. More and more people are longing for places where they can consciously disconnect, have real conversations, and live in the moment. In this episode, find out why Germans want public spaces without smartphones and the internet, and what the new trend of "phubbing" has to do with it. We discuss inspiring ideas, from "digital detox" hotels and phone-free concerts to restaurants that offer discounts for analog evenings.
Robots, algorithms, artificial intelligence – digitalization is fundamentally changing our working world. But which jobs are disappearing, and which new ones are emerging? And how can we shape this transformation without falling behind? In this episode, find out which tasks machines are taking over and where human interaction remains irreplaceable. We'll reveal why the most important skill of the future lies not in programming, but in lifelong learning – and why soft skills could soon be more important than hard skills in job applications.
Whether at a travel agency, when buying a kitchen, or during a financial consultation – personal advice remains in demand. But how much are we willing to pay for this kind of expertise? And how is the relationship between trust, information, and purchasing decisions changing? In this episode, find out why personal advice remains relevant for many people despite digital alternatives, what it takes for it to be perceived as valuable – and how its importance might change further in the future.
Empty shops, deserted pedestrian zones, and the rise of online retail – brick-and-mortar stores in German city centers are under pressure. But how did this happen? And what ideas exist for shaping this transformation instead of just watching it unfold? In this episode, find out why more and more people are ordering online, what consequences this has for our cities – and how new concepts, from pop-up stores to experiential shopping districts, could give brick-and-mortar retail a future.
More money doesn't automatically mean more consumption – but it does mean different choices. But what would Germans really spend more on in 2025 if they could? And what does that say about our values? In this episode, find out why enjoyment, travel, and security are at the top of the list, what role hobbies play in quality of life and self-realization – and how consumer desires have changed over time.
Foundation for Future Studies | Contact us | Legal notice | Data protection
Foundation for Future Studies | Contact us | Legal notice | Data protection
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