Increase in Inflation Diminishing Sexual and Social Activities, Reveals Society Survey
In a recent survey conducted by YouGov and commissioned by Kleinanzeigen.de, it was revealed that inflation in Germany has had varying effects on adults' social lives, relationships, and mental health.
The inflation rate in June 2025 stood at 2.0%, a decrease of 0.2 percentage points compared to June 2024. However, the survey indicates that inflation-related financial worries can contribute to adverse mental health effects, particularly among young adults aged 18 to 24, who express these concerns most frequently (21%).
The survey findings suggest that these worries stem partly from lingering misconceptions related to the peak inflation experienced in Germany during the COVID-19 crisis nearly three years earlier. Despite some inflationary pressures—food prices up 2%, services up 3.3%, and energy prices down by 3.5%—the overall inflation rate in June 2025 was a moderate 2%.
The survey reveals that about 26% of adults feel more anxious and stressed than before inflation, and 18% report lower self-esteem because they can afford less. Younger adults and women appear to be more affected, with those aged 25 to 34 (25%) and women (20%) being most likely to say they have lower self-esteem.
Regarding social life and relationships, the survey results do not provide detailed direct metrics on changes in these domains due to inflation. However, the emotional impact of inflation is implied, as it can lead to increased stress that can strain social interactions and mental health. European surveys show rising pessimism about economic conditions, which can indirectly affect social cohesion and relationships.
The survey also suggests that the economic situation is affecting family planning decisions for some segments of society. Seven percent of respondents aged 25 to 44 have postponed their desire to have children due to the current economic situation, and one in ten has decided to adjust their family planning, wanting fewer children.
In summary, the YouGov survey highlights that inflation in Germany has affected adults’ mental health with anxiety and stress about finances, especially among younger adults. The impact on social lives and relationships appears linked to the emotional burden inflation causes but is not quantified specifically in the data available. The survey did not provide information on how the misperception of inflation affects other aspects of life, such as self-esteem, friendships, or dating.
The survey was conducted at the end of June and surveyed over 2,000 adults. It is essential to note that responses may be partly based on false assumptions and a feeling that has crept in and solidified over the years. The highest inflation rate in Germany since reunification was recorded nearly three years ago, at 8.8% in October and November 2022.
References:
[1] YouGov survey referenced in a 2025 report by DW. [2] European surveys on economic conditions and social cohesion.
- Concerns about inflation's impact on personal finances, particularly among young adults, have been revealed to contribute significantly to mental health issues, such as increased anxiety and stress, according to the YouGov survey.
- The survey findings suggest that these worries stem partly from misconceptions related to the peak inflation experienced in Germany during the COVID-19 crisis, which affects some adults' education-and-self-development and personal-growth, as they worry about their ability to afford necessary resources.
- Relationships and lifestyles are implied to be impacted by inflation, as mental health concerns stemming from financial worries can strain social interactions and emotional well-being, but the survey results do not provide detailed metrics on these domains.
