Loneliness crisis among young Austrians: Generation Z suffers!

Loneliness crisis among young Austrians: Generation Z suffers!

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

Singles, people in financial hardship, rural dwellers and people with low education as well as intensive users of social media are particularly affected. Loneliness is alarming among the young adults, especially those between the ages of 16 and 24: one of four people in this age group often feels lonely, almost half of them 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 concern 57 percent of those affected, while excessive use of social media and smartphones with 48 percent or 47 percent are also essential causes of contributions. The consequences of this loneliness are far -reaching: mental illnesses, reduced self -esteem and mental stress are just a few of the most common consequences that occur in Generation Z. Nader reports that over 50 percent of 18 to 35 year olds in Germany are affected by occasional loneliness.

However, the effects go beyond individual problems. Lonely young people show a higher tendency to radical positions and often feel alienated by society. Studies show that in Great Britain young adults are considered the "loneliest age group in Europe". The multitude of digital connections leads to a certain network, but real closeness is increasingly missing.

Social dimensions and solutions

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

In order to meet these challenges, strategic approaches and open dialogues about closeness and belonging are required. This is how offline formats and real social spaces accelerate the process of contacting. Trends created on social media such as "Friendship Recession", in which active friend requests are made online, illustrate the desire for authentic interpersonal connections. Psychological support and programs for young adults can also help to tackle this problem.

The loneliness of Generation Z is therefore not only an individual, but also a topic for society as a whole. The urgency of taking suitable measures is higher than ever in order to maintain social cohesion in society and to meet the needs of young people.