From traditional policy to daily conversations, questions such as migration, war, gender equality and the economy is increasingly arouse controversy.
A new study has revealed that in Italy (65%), France (71%) and Germany (74%), friends are the confidants of choice for political discussions.
Denmark is the exception, with 49% of people who speak mainly with parents.
A search for debating Europe requested the views of 2,000 people aged 18 to 35 in Denmark, France, Germany, Italy and Poland between November 2024 and January 2025.
The survey was carried out in the mother tongues of the participants to help engagement and understanding.
A small share of participants (7% in Germany and 13% in Denmark and Poland) completely avoids political discussions.
A large majority of respondents in these five EU countries consider politicians, social media and traditional media as central forces that fracture society.
“Policy development should not occur without a clear understanding of what citizens think or really need, in particular young people who deal with the inheritance of many decisions,” said the director of the debate for Europe Adam Nyman.
Are people's social circles affected by political divisions?
Between 43% (Denmark) and 56% (France) say politically aligning with their partners.
However, in France (28%) and Italy (28%), young people are more likely to disagree with parents, pointing to an intergenerational division.
About 68% of French, Italian and Polish respondents say they are most likely to share political opinions with friends. In Germany, the percentage increases to 75%.
Denmark marks the lowest, with only 50% feeling that they agree with friends on politics.
At the workplace, up to 50% of Polish respondents agree with their colleagues, while only 30% do in Denmark.
Online discussions more often reveal disagreements, except in Denmark and Poland.
Better education is considered the cornerstone of social cohesion among the five EU countries.
ADVERTISEMENTHowever, the fight against economic inequalities is also considered a possible solution to reduce societal divisions in Germany to 50% and Italy to 48%.
The ban on anti-democratic parties is the third most popular solution in Germany (35%) and the fourth more popular in Italy (23%).
Does AI affect political opinions among young people in the EU?
About 41% of Danish respondents admit to having their political opinions affected by the content generated by AI. At the same time, the Germans are divided, 26% admitting being affected and 26% expressing uncertainty as to whether this is the case.
“I am sure that I came into contact with content created by AI. Therefore, I think I may have been influenced by this without knowing it,” said a German respondent.
ADVERTISEMENTMeanwhile, three -quarters of the Italian, French and Polish participants say that their opinions are not affected by the production of AI.
Concerns about the manipulation of AI democratic processes fluctuate 31% in Italy 38% in France.
However, many remain neutral, considering AI as neither fully harmful nor a guaranteed route to civic empowerment.
Editor Mert can yilmaz
