Increase in insults and disrespect in Germany: DAK survey shows worrying results

Increase in insults and disrespect in Germany: DAK survey shows worrying results

A current Forsa survey commissioned by the health insurance company DAK-Gesundheit shows that 78 percent of people in Germany have perceived a deterioration in social interaction in the last three years. More and more citizens are reporting insults and disrespect in their everyday lives. In addition, the vast majority believe that greater social cohesion can have positive effects on health.

The survey found that a large majority of people have experienced negative changes on online social networks, with 82 percent reporting an increase compared to the previous year. Likewise, 81 percent of participants reported a deterioration when shopping or in traffic, while 41 percent also observed this in educational institutions and at work.

Also worrying is that 85 percent of respondents have experienced an increase in insults and disrespect, compared to 76 percent last year. Other negative behaviors such as aggressiveness, selfishness, intolerance, exclusion and indifference were also mentioned by many respondents. What is particularly alarming is that more than half of those surveyed stated that children and young people in particular were affected by these behaviors.

In view of these worrying figures, the DAK and Federal Family Minister Lisa Paus have launched a competition with the motto “Faces for a healthy coexistence”. This competition is intended to honor exemplary projects in the areas of health, prevention and care in order to set an example for respect, tolerance and community spirit. DAK CEO Andreas Storm also emphasizes the importance of healthy coexistence. He calls on people to actively combat the deterioration of social cohesion and to work for respectful and communal coexistence.