At a time when being at home is becoming increasingly important, people are less willing to travel long distances for leisure activities. This is the conclusion of a recent study by the non-profit Stiftung für Zukunftsfragen (Foundation for Future Studies), for which over 3,000 people aged 18 and over were surveyed on a representative basis.
In our increasingly digital world, fewer and fewer people regularly spend time with friends – only one in five meets up with them at least once a week. This is also reflected in the number of close friends, which has declined significantly in recent years, from an average of seven to three. In this episode, you'll learn not only why the need for genuine connections and companionship is so great, or why values like responsibility and trust are becoming increasingly important, but also why challenges – like wind for trees – are necessary for growth.
Not even one in five Germans (18%) meets up with their friends at least once a week – twenty years ago, the figure was 28 percent. Members of the younger generation are particularly less likely to meet up: among those under 35, only one in three (32%) currently spends time regularly with their friends, compared to 56 percent in 2004.
Two-thirds of Germans believe that social media has a rather negative impact on society. This critical view is particularly widespread among those with higher levels of education. Skepticism towards platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter has increased. While social networks were long valued for their ability to connect people and promote the free flow of information, the tide is now turning, and a clear majority views them with increasing skepticism.
In this episode, we explore how social media is changing our lives and society – with all its positive and negative aspects. From global networking to its downsides, such as the spread of misinformation and addiction. Learn not only about the paradox of loneliness and how social media influences our communication, our interactions, and our society, but also how we can find a healthy way to use it.
Fairs and festivals have been captivating visitors for centuries and have retained their special charm to this day. These time-honored events offer a unique blend of entertainment, culture, and community that continues to draw people in. In this episode, you'll learn more about the history of fairs and festivals, how they differ internationally, and their significance for society. And, as always, we'll take a look at the future.
Folk festivals are more than just opportunities to have fun – they are also an expression of regional culture and tradition. In Germany, three out of five citizens currently visit folk festivals or fairs at least once a year – just as frequently as ten or twenty years ago. More than one in three Germans expresses the desire to ride the carousel more often, try their luck at the lottery booth, or simply enjoy some delicious food.
Drinking coffee and eating cake are still popular leisure activities with an important social function. Coffee gossip brings people together, promotes dialogue and strengthens interpersonal relationships - whether private or professional.
Currently, three out of four Germans regularly – at least once a week – take the time to enjoy a coffee, often accompanied by a piece of cake. Will this continue in the future?
Only just over one in two Germans are satisfied with their current job. Ten years ago, it was 3 out of 4 respondents. How did this change come about?
Foundation for Future Studies | Contact us | Legal notice | Data protection
Foundation for Future Studies | Contact us | Legal notice | Data protection
EN 
DE