86 percent of 16- to 25-year-olds are satisfied with their lives despite crises and increasing uncertainty. 78 percent are content with their education or work. However, nearly two-thirds (63 percent) feel that the school curriculum is too full and unrealistic. These are the results of the Ö3 Youth Study 2025 with around 28,000 respondents. The past years have left their mark on Gen Z: One in four reports having poor mental health.
Despite this, young people feel less alone than before. When faced with mental health issues, the majority (69 percent) would not hesitate to seek support and help. Parents and friends would be their first contacts. The importance of social relationships is also reflected in the leisure activities of Gen Z, with 90 percent spending time with friends, a similar number with their families (87 percent), and about half of those aged 16 to 25 being active in a club.
80 Percent Want Full-Time Jobs
Gen Z is united in their priorities for their professional lives: At the top of the list are job security, meaningful work, equality at work, and teamwork—each of which is very important to around 75 percent. Work-life balance follows with 59 percent, while 29 percent consider home office essential, and 25 percent favor a four-day workweek. The stereotype that Gen Z is lazy is not confirmed, according to the ORF radio station. For 80 percent of young people, working full-time is a given.
72 percent want to marry or enter into a registered partnership, while 16 percent of Gen Z use dating apps. For two-thirds of all respondents, having children is part of a fulfilling life. However, the majority of both genders among the young people reject the statement that caregiving work is more suited to women—61 percent of men and 81 percent of women disagree. Furthermore, the Gen Z believes it should be completely normal for fathers to take a year of parental leave—91 percent of young women and 76 percent of young men think so.
Wars and Terrorism as Main Concerns
The global political situation tops the list of concerns. 80 and 73 percent report that ongoing wars and terrorism scare them. The majority (58 percent) of 16- to 25-year-olds are against military build-up. The decision between NATO and neutrality leans toward neutrality with 79 percent. 59 percent trust the European Union’s ability to manage current challenges. Affordable housing is a concern for 56 percent, followed by climate change (55 percent).
77 percent are interested in politics and political processes. Following current news is important for 87 percent. Exactly two-thirds find social media to be a time-waster, but they cannot stop using it. The annual Ö3 Youth Study is accompanied by the social research institute Foresight. The data for this online survey was restricted to the target group for analysis.
