As per the report titled “What are Young Poles Afraid of?”, Poles aged 18-35 currently fear the lack of money, rising cost of living, and losing their job the most. These concerns were identified by 47.4%, 27%, and 24% respondents respectively. Further fears included falling into debt, an influx of immigrants, the death of a close person, fraud, and the return of high inflation. Additionally, the report shows that younger Poles are least afraid of dealing with administrative offices, online hate, or lack of professional advancement.
The latest report by the psychotherapy platform Risify.pl, titled “What are Young Poles Afraid of?” reveals current fears of Poles aged 18-35. Survey participants were given a list of 40 different fears. According to the study, 1.5% of those surveyed fear nothing, while 2.6% have concerns about scenarios not listed in the survey. The most common fear is lack of money, as indicated by 47.4% of respondents. Dr. Justyna Rybacka from the University of WSB Merito believes that the pervasiveness of this concern may stem from three main factors.
She explains that young people begin to gradually become independent, such as, many are in the stage of leaving their family home and therefore become financially independent. Secondly, the economic situation is tight and rising prices have eroded all Polish wallets. Thirdly, individuals in this age group lead a more consumption-oriented lifestyle than their grandparents or even parents, making them less inclined to save.
Meanwhile, Dr. Piotr Pieńkowski from the Department of Sociology and Economy at the University of Wrocław believes that the recent crises and predicted price increases have undermined the financial security of Poles. While concerns about lack of money are universal, they particularly affect young people who usually have relatively low salaries with prospects of growth and high consumer aspirations, the need to show off their status, and the pressure to maintain social relations.
The report also shows that concern about lack of money is not evenly distributed. It is indicated more often by women than by men, and particularly noted among individuals with a monthly net income of 1000-2999 zł, with medium education, and living in rural areas or towns with less than 5 thousand inhabitants. Patryk Rzepka, a psychologist from the psychotherapy platform Risify.pl, draws attention to the characteristic of women being concerned about the financial stability and future of their family.
Fear of rising living costs ranks second in the fear list, as declared by 27% of survey participants. Fear of losing work or the opportunity to earn income ranks third in the list at 24%. Additionally, fears of high taxes – 23.6%, falling into debt – 20.9%, an influx of immigrants – 19.6%, death of a close one – 16.7%, becoming a victim of fraud – 14.7%, and the return of high inflation – 14.4% also rank high on the list. On the contrary, the fear of dealing with administrative offices is the least mentioned at 0.4%. Fears of online hate, lack of professional advancement, and parenthood were only indicated by 1% or less of the respondents.
According to psychologist Patryk Rzepka, the less chosen fears may suggest a lesser impact on the respondents’ daily lives. However, it’s evident that they are grappling with a variety of fears, from economic to social, indicating the need for support in this generation managing their finances, ensuring digital safety, and helping them adapt to changing social conditions.
Source: https://managerplus.pl/czego-mlodzi-polacy-boja-sie-najbardziej-glownie-braku-pieniedzy-wzrostu-kosztow-zycia-i-utraty-pracy-27468
