Citizens want an end to constant optimisation
Out of 100 respondents, 100 agree with the statement: "I view the increasing optimization of life (e.g., optimization of work, body, leisure) critically."„
Women and older people in particular view the increasing optimization critically. (Overall population)
66% — Gender
Age groups
Data as table
| Books | |
|---|---|
| Women | 73 |
| Men | 66 |
| No | 30 |
| Yes | 70 |
| Critical | |
|---|---|
| Up to 34 | 60 |
| Up to 55 | 68 |
| Over 55 | 79 |
Result
A Google search for "Optimize your life" yields approximately 35 million results. These range from nutrition and career advice to dating and training tips, as well as topics like time management and mindfulness. More than two-thirds of respondents view the increasing focus on life optimization negatively. Women, like older Germans, express above-average criticism in this regard.
Reasons
Work, body, health, relationships, leisure time, one's appearance – the goal is to optimize all aspects of life. At least, that's what advertising, social media, and television programs suggest. Many people feel stressed, pressured, and have the feeling that they have to keep up, even though they don't actually want to.
Forecast
Many want to live their lives to the fullest, enjoying them and being less influenced by media or societal expectations. If this means not being everywhere at once, occasionally being unreasonable, disappointing expectations, or making sacrifices, then this will be accepted. In the future, the motto will increasingly be: quality of life rather than standard of living.
