Spiders, darkness, fire, storms, snakes, mice, heights, and confined spaces—everyone has a fear that triggers anxiety and sends shivers down their spine. Psychologists and therapists suggest that fear can sometimes be a beneficial response, protecting us from potential dangers. However, fear is not always tied to objects, animals, or situations; it can also stem from social phenomena.

UCE RESEARCH and RISIFY.pl have jointly released a report titled "What Are Young Poles Afraid Of?". The survey involved more than 800 participants aged between 18 and 35. The findings reveal that only 1.5% of respondents reported having no fears at all. So, what is the most significant source of anxiety? A striking 47.4% of those surveyed expressed a fear of financial insecurity, with residents of small towns and cities being particularly prone to this concern.

The second most common fear, cited by 27% of respondents, is the rising cost of living. Additionally, 24% of young Poles fear losing their job, while the same percentage worries about increasing shop prices and taxes.

Other fears identified in the survey include falling into debt, the influx of immigrants, the death of a loved one, becoming a victim of a scam, the return of high inflation, interactions with authorities, online hate speech, lack of career advancement, parenthood, the jealousy of others, and marriage.

Patryk Rzepka, a psychologist and co-author of the study, highlighted in a press release: "These concerns are a clear reflection of the challenging economic circumstances young people face. They underscore the financial instability and uncertainty prevalent in the labour market. Many young people are just beginning their careers, which often comes with lower wages and limited opportunities to save money. High inflation rates, rising living costs, and increased taxes place additional pressure on their budgets. It's also important to recognise that young people are increasingly experiencing significant financial stress, which can influence major life decisions, including those related to relationships and divorce."

Rzepka further explained: "The fear of debt may be linked to difficulties in managing finances and handling credit liabilities, but it doesn’t end there. The fear of fraud is well-founded in today's digital age, where threats such as phishing and identity theft are prevalent. These anxieties highlight the urgent need for financial education and greater online security awareness. The fear of an influx of immigrants may arise from concerns about potential impacts on the labour market and society, which is understandable given the current public discourse on the topic."

Krzysztof Mamiński, an expert in demographic transition, commented on the study's findings, expressing surprise that the results have largely gone unnoticed. Mamiński elaborated on the demographic implications in a detailed thread on X, where he analysed the study from a population perspective: "The study is particularly intriguing from a demographic standpoint. The 18-35 age group accounted for nearly 83% of births last year. I've long argued that a closer examination of this group's economic situation—gathering data on unemployment rates, the prevalence of precarious employment, average and median salaries (especially considering real wages, including those on junk contracts and in companies with fewer than nine employees)—and comparing this with the typical cost of living, especially housing, rental costs, and the expense of raising children, would provide greater insight into our fertility rate and its trajectory."

Mamiński continued: "It is crucial to analyse the situation of young people and how it relates to our society, particularly in recent years. Are they disproportionately shouldering the costs of what we consider our ‘golden age’—evidenced by the widening gap between their incomes and the rising housing and living costs? What is the current ‘entry threshold’ into adulthood—essentially, the minimum required to live reasonably well as a young couple considering having children or already raising one? Does the time when these financial fears subside sometimes come too late, at the end of one's reproductive years? While I understand these concerns may not always materialise (and likely won't in many cases), they exist and, in my view, cannot be ignored."

Source: 300Gospodarka