Austrians’ confidence has been taken away by Corona

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Austrians’ confidence has decreased in 2020. Never since the introduction of its New Year’s survey in 1972 has the Linz-based opinion research institute IMAS registered such a poor basic mood. A year with Corona has apparently meant that only one third of the population is now in a positive mood going into the new year. According to the latest study, just 22 percent thought 2020 had been a good year.

The study, published on Monday, shows that three-quarters of respondents regard the year ending as “bad” (29 percent) or “not particularly good” (46 percent). At the same time, 60 percent started with confidence, if the result of the New Year’s survey of 2019 is taken. The change in sentiment that occurred over the course of this year was also reflected in the assessment for 2021. Only 28 percent expressed confidence. By contrast, 28 percent looked ahead skeptically and 38 percent even with concern, while six percent gave no indication. Women (43 percent) and the 60-plus age group (48 percent) in particular expressed fears.

The study also wanted to know why Austrians are so negative. And unsurprisingly, the all-dominant issue of Corona was found to be the cause. Those who look to the future with concern do so primarily because of the prevailing crisis (27 percent), economic development (22 percent) and fear for their own jobs (17 percent). The situation is similar among skeptics, who are primarily plagued by uncertainty (28 percent). Corona also determines the basic attitude of optimists. However, they are more hopeful about the vaccine (33 percent) and believe that things can only get better (24 percent).

According to the study, the pandemic also has an influence on personal resolutions for the coming year: those two goals – “exercise more” and “live more consciously” – that have been at the top of the list for the past few years have become even more important for 2021. Of the 35 percent of Austrians willing to change, 44 percent want to exercise more in the future – 35 percent said this in the previous year – and 40 percent want to lead a more conscious lifestyle, which represents an increase of ten percentage points compared to the previous year. At the bottom of the personal to-do list are, for example, “drink less alcohol” (eleven percent) or “get more politically involved” (9 percent).

On average, the group with good intentions took on about four of them. After all, 21 percent of those surveyed this year also largely managed to implement the goals they had still set for 2019. A good half said they had at least partially succeeded. In contrast, 28 percent said they had not succeeded. Two-thirds of the population have no specific plans for 2021. IMAS surveyed 1,017 Austrians aged 16 and over in November and December.