Loneliness and young people - a mass phenomenon and a path to radicalisation?

We are delighted to invite you to the discussion event ‘Loneliness and young people – a mass phenomenon and a path to radicalisation?’ with Melanie Eckert and Melanie Weiser. The event will take place on 27 November 2024 at 5.15 pm at the Schwarzkopf Foundation Young Europe, Sophienstraße 28/29, 10178 Berlin.

According to a recent study by the Bertelsmann Stiftung, almost half of 16 to 30-year-olds feel moderately or very lonely. Loneliness is increasingly developing into a ‘mass phenomenon’ with Europe-wide dimensions – especially among young people. On the one hand, loneliness has serious effects on mental and physical health, while on the other hand, studies among young people show a connection between loneliness and authoritarian attitudes. For example, it was found that those who often feel lonely and disconnected are more likely to believe conspiracy narratives, condone political violence and agree with authoritarian attitudes. Young people who feel lonely have a correspondingly higher risk of becoming radicalised and developing anti-democratic attitudes.

To mark the occasion, we would like to discuss the following questions with our guests Melanie Weiser, Project Manager at the Progressive Centre, and Melanie Eckert, Co-CEO & Co-Founder of Krisenchat, on Wednesday 27 November at 5.15 pm:

What explains the increase in loneliness, especially among young people?How can loneliness among young people be counteracted?What dangers does loneliness pose for young people’s understanding of democracy?The UK has already set up its own Ministry for Loneliness in 2018, what other approaches are there in Europe to combat loneliness? What could also be implemented in Germany?

We look forward to your participation. Please register online or by email by 26 November 2024.