Only a balanced interplay of individual initiative and collective responsibility can keep a society resilient. The ability to cooperate not only determines success in overcoming current crises, but also forms the basis for a future worth living.
Whether in politics, media, or everyday life – trust is built through words. But when does communication strengthen trust, and when does it undermine it? Between clarity, transparency, and emotional appeal, it becomes clear: language shapes our interactions far more than it initially appears. In this episode, learn about the role of clear communication in building social trust, why too much openness can also be unsettling, and how trust might evolve in the digital future.
Open and honest communication is considered essential by the vast majority of German citizens for strengthening trust within society. This trust forms the basis for a stable and fair coexistence, both in interpersonal relationships and in the relationship between citizens and institutions.
Trust is an essential basis for social coexistence. Currently, a small majority of the population trusts most of their fellow citizens. At 60 per cent, the proportion of people under the age of 35 is higher than that of older generations, of whom only around one in two express trust in their fellow citizens. A look at the development over the years shows a changing dynamic. In 2000, the proportion was just 36 per cent and rose steadily to a high of 60 per cent by 2019. This was followed by a decline to 45 per cent in 2022, before the figure recovered to its current level of 54 per cent.
Trust is the social glue of our society. It determines how we live, love and work - and yet we usually only talk about it when it is lacking. But what is the real state of trust among Germans? And what is it actually about when we talk about trust? A feeling or a decision? In this episode, find out why social trust has tended to increase over the last 25 years, how generations deal with it differently and what role openness, experience and transparency play in a trusting future.
Respect, justice and freedom are among the core values of German society. These three principles embody the population's desire for harmonious, fair and self-determined coexistence.
In times of social change, the values that are important to us are also changing. While motivation is becoming less important, respect is becoming more and more important. Good behaviour and sustainability are also becoming less important in comparison. But what does this say about our society? In this episode, find out why respect is so important today, what changes in the value system are behind it and what developments we can expect in the future.
Commitment is not a question of circumstances, but of will. In a world that is constantly changing, the courage to engage with others can become one of the most important skills in the coming years.
Our world is becoming ever more flexible, faster and more digital. But in the midst of this change, many people long for stability - in friendships, in the family or in love. So is the courage to commit a future skill that we should promote more strongly? In this episode, find out not only why the younger generation in particular attaches so much importance to stable relationships, but also possible future scenarios for our society - depending on whether we pay more or less attention to stability.
The next generation is facing new challenges - and educational goals are changing as a result. Instead of a sense of duty and a career, the focus today is on independence and responsibility. Parents want young people to learn to think for themselves and take care of their fellow human beings and the environment. But which qualities are really decisive for a successful future? In this episode, find out how values have changed over the generations and what the 'Big Five' are - the five core values that are important today in order to master the challenges ahead.
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