Loneliness hits the youth of Austria... and the holiday season worsens the situation
Recent data from 'Rat auf Draht' shows a significant increase in feelings of loneliness among Austrian youth, with 202 consultations recorded on the main topic of loneliness between January and November 2025, an increase of 37.4 percent compared to last year. The most affected groups are adolescents aged 16-18, making up about 42 percent of the consultations, and young people aged 19-24 who represent about 43 percent.
Despite many of them attending schools or vocational training or being part of social groups, the feeling of isolation is clearly increasing. Birgit Satke, head of the consulting team at 'Rat auf Draht', explained that loneliness is a very painful feeling and can occur even when a person is surrounded by others. Contributing factors include changes in family structures, lack of attention, and increasing pressures in school and society.
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the problem, especially among young people who have faced long periods of social isolation. Satke warns that excessive reliance on digital relationships cannot replace direct communication. Many young people have hundreds of online connections, but they lack a real person to talk to honestly.
Relying on chatbots or AI-supported virtual 'friends' is not a solution and may weaken real-life relationships. The emotional gap increases during the holiday season, when the idealized images of family life in media and schools starkly contrast with the reality of some teenagers, especially those facing family conflicts, separation, or domestic violence.
“Rat auf Draht” works to help those affected by analyzing the causes of loneliness and providing practical strategies to cope with it. Satke emphasizes that seeking professional psychological support becomes necessary when feelings of isolation persist for a long time.