Soaring inflation is reportedly impacting individuals' sex and social lives, according to a recent survey.
In a recent survey conducted by YouGov on behalf of "Kleinanzeigen.de", it was found that inflation has significant psychological effects on adults in Germany. The survey, which polled 2,000 respondents, revealed that 17% of adults have experienced a negative impact on their friendships and social life due to inflation concerns.
However, it's interesting to note that older adults (aged 55 and above) seem less affected by inflation's emotional toll. Approximately 34% of this age group stated that their emotional well-being remains unaffected.
The survey suggests that some of these adverse psychological effects might be rooted in misconceptions about inflation. This misconception could stem from the high inflation period nearly three years ago during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the inflation rate reached 8.8%. However, the current inflation rate in June 2025 was relatively low at 2%.
Despite the misconceptions, the survey found that while food and service prices increased modestly year-over-year, energy costs actually declined. Specifically, energy prices have decreased by about 3.5%, contrary to the 53% of respondents who reported an increase.
The survey also revealed that young adults aged 18 to 24 are most affected by the impact on friendships, with 17% reporting a decrease in social activities. On the other hand, those aged 25 to 34 are most affected by feelings of anxiety and stress, with 25% reporting such feelings.
Interestingly, men and those aged 25 to 44 are particularly affected by the worsening of their love life due to financial stress. One in ten adults in this age group has adjusted their family planning due to the economic situation, wanting fewer children.
The survey also found that 19% of young adults have less money and less desire for dates. Moreover, 18% report lower self-esteem because they can afford less.
Despite these challenges, more than half of adults in Germany are still going out to restaurants, cinemas, or theaters less often than before.
[1] Source: YouGov survey conducted in late June 2025.
A photo gallery is open for further exploration of the survey's findings.
- Despite the lower current inflation rate, many adults in Germany still experience psychological effects, with young adults being most affected in terms of social activities and feelings of anxiety.
- The survey revealed that while older adults seem less affected by inflation's emotional toll, those aged 25 to 44 are particularly impacted in their personal relationships, with one in ten adjusting their family planning due to financial stress.
- In terms of health and wellness, 19% of young adults have less money and less desire for dates, and 18% report lower self-esteem due to the economic situation.
- On the bright side, the survey found that energy costs have actually decreased by about 3.5%, contrary to the 53% of respondents who reported an increase.
- Instead of going out as frequently as before, more than half of adults in Germany are still choosing to engage in health-and-wellness activities such as dining out, going to the cinema, or attending the theater less often.
