In Spain, anxiety about the future is growing. Recent data shows that a significant part of the population believes the next ten years will bring more problems than solutions. People increasingly talk about impending wars, food shortages, rising social isolation, and a widening gap between rich and poor.
According to a survey, nearly seven out of ten respondents believe the country will face major changes over the next decade. At the same time, 40.9% are convinced these changes will be mostly negative. Outlook on the future is becoming increasingly bleak, reflected in how people assess many aspects of life.
Peace and conflicts
When asked which problems will become the most acute, Spaniards had little doubt. Top of the list are fears of new wars—almost a quarter of respondents expressed concern. Second is the fear of hunger and food shortages, which troubles 19% of citizens. Overall, nearly four out of ten believe that the influence of the European Union (Unión Europea) on the world stage will weaken, while China will, on the contrary, become a far more significant global player.
There is also little optimism within the country. Some 61% of Spaniards believe violence will increase, while nearly eight in ten expect greater loneliness and isolation at home. About two thirds predict a rise in divorces and breakups, and almost 70% think the birth rate will decline.
Social changes
Pessimism also extends to economic disparities. Seven out of ten respondents are convinced that the gap between the rich and the poor will become even more pronounced. Around half of those surveyed expect a rise in crime and increased drug use. Nearly half fear higher cancer mortality rates, while 49% anticipate a surge in racism. Thirty-eight percent believe that new epidemics similar to COVID-19 will become a reality, and two-thirds expect more natural disasters.
Technology also raises concerns. More than half of Spaniards believe that the spread of robots will lead to higher unemployment. Anxiety is growing over how new technologies might affect the labor market and daily life.
Shifting values
Views on social justice and equality are changing as well. Over the past four years, the number of those who believe that success depends solely on individual effort has risen by ten points, reaching 36.3%. More and more people think that everyone should climb the ladder on their own, rather than rely on support from society. In 2021, only one in four held this opinion.
Interest in politics is on the rise among Spaniards too. Currently, 57.6% say they actively follow political events, up eight points from four years ago. The share of those indifferent to politics has dropped to 20.6%.
The impact of media and the role of the state
The internet and social media are playing an increasingly significant role in shaping political views. Over the past two years, a third of Spaniards have changed their opinions under the influence of information from these sources. Television, politicians’ actions, and advice from close ones also remain influential, but are losing ground to new media. Young people tend to rely more on social networks and friends, while older generations look to traditional media.
Regarding the role of the state, nearly 69% of respondents believe it should intervene in the economy. However, most are convinced this intervention should be limited and target only key sectors. Only 18% support full state control over the economy.
Spanish society enters the new decade with anxiety and unanswered questions. Hopes for change appear clouded by pessimism, and confidence in the future has notably declined.
