Survey alarms: Negative social behavior on the rise!

Survey alarms: Negative social behavior on the rise!

According to a recent survey by the health insurance company DAK-Gesundheit, social coexistence in Germany has deteriorated significantly over the last three years, according to a Forsa survey. A majority of 78 percent of those surveyed see a negative development in society. Insults and disrespect in particular have increased, as stated by many participants. Furthermore, increased aggressiveness, egoism, intolerance, exclusion and indifference were observed, with more than half of those surveyed seeing children and young people in particular as being affected by these problems. Overall, there is great concern about the state of social interaction.

The survey results show that 85 percent of respondents are experiencing an increasing number of insults and disrespect, compared to 76 percent last year. In addition, 79 percent stated that they experienced increased aggression, followed by egoism (74 percent), intolerance and exclusion (71 percent) and indifference (76 percent). These negative developments are also reflected in online social networks, in shopping, in traffic, as well as in educational institutions and in the workplace.

In view of the worrying survey results, the DAK and Federal Family Minister Lisa Paus have launched the “Faces for a Healthy Togetherness” competition. The aim of this competition is to support and promote exemplary projects in the areas of health, prevention and care. Better social cooperation is seen as the key to positive health effects. The survey results illustrate the need for action in society to strengthen respectful coexistence, tolerance and community spirit. The competition is intended to act as a step in this direction to support and reward the active promotion of healthy social interaction.