UNG25: Insights into Young Adults' Lives, Dreams, and Challenges

The results from UNG25 were launched on 28 February. This is the country's most comprehensive target group study on Norwegian youth and provides a holistic view of young adults' lives. The report covers everything from significant value questions to the need for sleep and leisure and expectations for future employers.

Opinion conducted the survey, which interviewed over 1,000 young people aged 15-25 and in-depth interviewed more than 90 young people in the same age group. SiO says this is "essential reading" for anyone working with or caring about the student target group. UNG25 provides valuable insights for everyone working with young people and underscores the importance of safe, supportive, and inclusive study environments.

1. Information Flow and Source Criticism

Young people are exposed to a constant flood of information and news, especially on social media, where it can be challenging to distinguish credible content from misinformation. Source criticism is more important than ever, and educational institutions can help students navigate the information stream and make informed choices.

2. Preparation for Working Life

Students seek security in their choice of studies and careers. They demand more practical experience and closer cooperation between education and the workplace to feel better prepared for the future.

3. Need for Community and Genuine Interactions

Young people desire strong communities and meaningful social experiences despite digital everyday life. Educational institutions should create arenas that promote genuine togetherness – and avoid solutions that pull them back to the screen, such as the unnecessary use of QR codes in social contexts.

• Artificial Intelligence: 32% believe AI will have a more negative than positive effect on working life and education, and 30% are worried about its development.
• Choice of Employer: Interest in the tasks is most important for 22% – especially among girls, while high salary and a good social environment are important criteria for both genders.
• Engagement: Women are most engaged in mental health, women's rights, environmental protection, animal welfare, and poverty reduction. Men are most concerned about mental health, freedom of speech, lower taxes, better integration, and environmental protection.
• Culture of Expression: Young people want more constructive debates without bad vibes, while some believe there should be room to express oneself freely.
• Autonomy and Financial Awareness: Young people desire financial security, closely monitor their finances, and actively use technology such as apps to make wise choices.

Many young people struggle to balance screen time and good sleep quality. Screen time affects sleep, but many fear missing out if they log off. Yet, one in three has consciously reduced their screen time in the past year to prioritise better rest.

For young people aged 15 to 22, relaxation is the most essential leisure activity, followed by time with friends and partners. The day is evenly divided between sleep, school/work, and leisure, highlighting the need for recovery and social belonging.

Young people view themselves as a project they can control and optimise. They primarily compete with themselves to become a better version of themselves. Food and exercise play a vital role in this process:

• Boys focus more on food-enhancing performance, while girls focus more on health and well-being.
• Social media reinforces trends related to health and lifestyle, where girls are exposed to "softer" trends, while boys encounter "harder" trends.

This "project" is not entirely negative but also contributes to a feeling of never being good enough, increasing stress and concerns about their lifestyle. Many young people recognise that constantly feeling good may not be realistic.

Mental health is the most essential engagement among young people, for both men and women. Many men seek role models who share experiences about their mental health and desire greater openness on the topic. They also recognise the need for their leisure to maintain their mental health.

Students are more pessimistic about the future than other young people. They are worried about war and unrest; over half believe the situation will worsen in the next ten years. The chaos of information and fake news contributes to uncertainty about the worldview.

At the same time, 6 out of 10 are satisfied with life as it is right now, particularly the student group that boosts this percentage. They believe what they can influence themselves can improve – especially in terms of the economy and physical and mental health.

• Be mindful that thoughts and concerns about the future can affect students' motivation.
• Help students identify what they can influence themselves. Examples include SiO's courses and offers of conversations about study techniques, finances, and job searching.
• Facilitate reflection on realistic expectations and balance during the study day, for example, through academic discussions and/or themed gatherings.
• Promote openness around mental health and normalise conversations on the topic.