Loneliness crisis among young Austrians: Generation Z is suffering!

Loneliness crisis among young Austrians: Generation Z is suffering!

Young people in Austria are particularly affected by loneliness. According to the Nivea Connect Report 2025, over half of respondents believe loneliness has increased, with one in five people saying they often feel lonely. This problem has different facets that are related to the social circumstances and lifestyle of those affected. 5min reported that 37 percent of people in Austria experience social isolation, which is relatively low in international comparison.

Singles, people in financial need, rural residents and people with little education as well as heavy users of social media are particularly affected. Loneliness is alarming among young adults, particularly those between the ages of 16 and 24: one in four people in this age group often feel lonely, and almost half have little or no contact with others.

Causes and consequences of loneliness

The main causes of loneliness can be attributed to several factors. Bullying and exclusion in the social environment affect 57 percent of those affected, while excessive use of social media and smartphones are also significant contributing causes at 48 percent and 47 percent respectively. The consequences of this loneliness are far-reaching: mental illness, reduced self-esteem and mental stress are just some of the most common consequences that occur in Generation Z. Nadr reports that over 50 percent of 18 to 35 year olds in Germany are affected by occasional loneliness.

But the impact goes beyond individual problems. Lonely young people show a greater tendency towards radical positions and often feel alienated from society. Studies show that young adults in the UK are considered the “loneliest age group in Europe”. The multitude of digital connections leads to a certain level of networking, but real closeness is increasingly missing.

Social dimensions and possible solutions

A worrying development can also be seen in the political attitudes of the lonely: less trust in democratic processes can lead to social tensions, as the Federal Institute for Population Research warns. In loneliness research, social isolation, being alone and loneliness are viewed as different but related phenomena. PMC points this out, that the quality of social relationships is crucial for the feeling of loneliness.

Meeting these challenges requires strategic approaches and open dialogues about closeness and belonging. Offline formats and real social spaces accelerate the process of establishing contact. Social media trends such as “Friendship Recession,” in which active friend requests are made online, highlight the desire for authentic interpersonal connections. Psychological support and programs for young adults can also help address this issue.

The loneliness of Generation Z is therefore not only an individual issue, but also a societal issue. The urgency to take appropriate measures to maintain social cohesion in society and meet the needs of young people is greater than ever.