MTV survey says spiritual teens are happier
MTV and the Associated Press recently surveyed the happiness of young people ages 13-24. Guess what they found? Young people who consider spirituality the most important thing in their lives are happier than those who don't. That's the good news.
The not-so-good news is that only 44% consider themselves "spiritual," and only 10% say that spirituality is the most important thing in their lives. We've got our work cut out for us. Here's a summary of the survey results:
- General happiness -- 65% of young people say they're happy. But, when ethnicity is considered, 72% of whites are happy, but only 56% of blacks and 51% of Hispanics. I am sure that poverty and opportunity are factors here, but these statistics warrant further review.
- Parents, family, and relationships -- Amazingly, parents are seen as an "overwhelmingly positive influence" in the lives of young people. But, here's an interesting reversal of #1 -- 30% of blacks and Hispanics identify family as the thing that brings them the most happiness, contrasted to only 15% of whites!
- Religion and spirituality -- 44% say that religion and spirituality are either "a very important or the single most important" thing in their lives. 80% of those who say that spirituality is the most important are happy with life in general; in contrast 60% who say spirituality is not important at all are happy with life in general.
- Fortune and fame -- Almost no respondents said money was the source of their happiness, but many cited financial problems as a source of unhappiness. 70% want to be rich, but just 29% want to be famous.
- Technology -- 50% say the internet alone makes them feel happier, and 50% say they never turn off their cell phones.
Obviously, the implications for church and youth ministry are trememdous here. You can read more about the survey at research.mtv.com or surveys.ap.org.
