Structure of Modern Life: Inflation Takes a Toll on Sexual Activities and Social Interactions
In a recent survey commissioned by Kleinanzeigen.de, YouGov reveals that inflation in Germany is significantly affecting human interaction, well-being, and social dynamics. The financial stress caused by inflation is leading to reduced discretionary spending and increased caution in social engagements, straining community cohesion and overall well-being.
The survey highlights that 17% of respondents have reported a negative impact on their friendships due to doing less with friends, with young adults aged 18 to 24 being most affected. Among those aged 25 to 44, one in ten has adjusted their family planning due to the economic situation, wanting fewer children.
The survey also shows that women are more likely to report lower self-esteem due to financial stress, and 7% of respondents in this age group have postponed their desire to have children due to the economic situation.
The inflation rate, which peaked at 8.8% nearly three years ago, has since decreased to 2.0% in June 2025, due to falling energy prices. However, the sustained higher costs for food (+2.0%) and services (+3.3%) continue to strain household budgets, increasing anxiety and reducing willingness to spend on non-essential activities.
More than half of adults in Germany are going out to restaurants, cinemas, or theaters less often than before due to inflation. This trend is reflected in the widespread belief that food, energy, and services have become more expensive, but the actual increases are lower than perceived. For example, while 78% believe food has become more expensive compared to last year, according to the Federal Statistical Office, food prices have increased by only 2.0%.
The survey also reveals that more than a quarter of adults feel more anxious and stressed than before due to inflation, with those aged 25 to 34 being most affected. Seven percent of respondents report a worsened love life due to financial stress, and 18% report lower self-esteem because they can afford less.
However, it's not all bad news. Older adults, those over 55, are more likely to say their well-being has not been affected by inflation, and over a third of adults say inflation has not affected their well-being at all. Furthermore, energy prices have actually fallen by about 3.5% since the survey was conducted.
In conclusion, while the inflation environment in Germany has eased somewhat, it still weighs on people’s financial security and social life. The survey results highlight the human and social impacts beyond pure economic indicators, underscoring the importance of addressing these issues to promote community cohesion and overall well-being.
- In an effort to promote workplace-wellness, many businesses are implementing mental-health initiatives, recognizing the impact of financial stress on employees' health and well-being.
- To mitigate the effects of inflation on health-and-wellness, some individuals are prioritizing fitness-and-exercise as a cost-effective way to maintain mental and physical health.
- Personal-finance management seminars are gaining popularity in the science community, as researchers seek to understand and manage the negative impacts of inflation on their research and career progression.
- To foster business growth, financial institutions are offering loans with lower interest rates to support small and medium enterprises coping with the challenges posed by inflation.
