Over seven in ten (72%[2]) young people surveyed feel more worried about the rising cost of living today than they did a year ago, fuelled by worries about the potential impact on their parents’ financial situation (77%[3]). Almost a third (32%) also expressed concerns about how they will get a job when they are older to support themselves, with fears that they do not have the necessary skills to cope in an increasingly digital and AI-driven world (23%).

Samsung commissioned the new research as it launches its Solve for Tomorrow Next Gen tech for good idea challenge, which encourages the next generation of innovators across the UK to help solve societal problems. This year’s theme, Living Well: Tech for a Happier, Healthier World, is designed to help young people solve problems they care about. Over four in five (81%[4]) express a desire to make a positive difference to the world we live in, yet the research reveals that less than half (49%[4]) feel the current, school curriculum prepares them to tackle societal issues.

Alongside the rising cost of living, online safety was also revealed to be another major source of concern among young people. Of those surveyed, 47% worry about the potential harms and dangers while using the internet, while more than half (58%[3]) reported feeling more concerned about online safety than they did a year ago today.

Young people are more determined than ever to meet these challenges head-on. In last year’s Solve for Tomorrow challenge, Millie from William Farr School was awarded first place in the 11-13 category for her innovation ‘My Bear’, which encourages children and young people to tackle hate by learning about other cultures. By linking the bear to an app, the user is rewarded with points. Meanwhile, Lorelei, Ruby, and Riya from Croydon High School, were awarded first place in the 13-15 category for their entry – a covert safety bangle designed to support girls and women whilst travelling alone. This year, young people from up and down the country will take part to create their own tech solutions to societal problems and have the chance to win some fantastic tech prizes.

Commenting on the competition launch, Soohyun Jessie Park, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at Samsung Electronics UK, said: “We’re calling out to secondary schools across the UK and Ireland to join our tech for good idea challenge. Since launching in 2021, Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Next Gen has reached 180,093 young people, and we’ve seen 2064 tech-for-good ideas – the programme is all about inspiring the next generation of innovators, and we can’t wait to see what young people come up with this year. Along with entering the challenge, we welcome teachers to make use of our free resources all year round on design thinking, careers in tech, and new for this year and part of our educational online safety tools and resources; how to use AI responsibly.”

In support of the Solve for Tomorrow Next Gen programme, Dr. Vee Kativhu, Founder & Director of Empowered by Vee, added: “As someone who grew up in a single-parent, lower-income household, I know first-hand how life-changing having access to technology and education can be. It was free resources, a library laptop, and opportunities like this that opened the doors for me to go on to study at both Oxford and Harvard University. Samsung’s Solve for Tomorrow Next Gen competition gives young people that same chance — to turn their ideas, creativity, and passion into real solutions that make the world happier, healthier, and safer. I’m proud to support a challenge that believes in the power of young people and invests in their future.”

Entries for the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Next Gen tech for good challenge are now open until 25^th July 2025 with more information on how to enter here.

[1] Combining answer options “Very anxious” and “Fairly anxious”.

[2] Combining answer options “Much more concerned” and “Somewhat more concerned”.

[3] Combining answer options “Very concerned” and “Somewhat concerned”.

[4] Combining answer options “Very well” and “Fairly well”.

Research carried out by Samsung UK & Social investing platform eToro reveals Gen Zs are becoming more financially savvy in response to the cost of living crisis.

In the study, four in five (79%) Gen Zs said the current economic climate has made them more financially aware. A further 63% said it has helped them to understand economic concepts such as inflation.

According to the data, the economic climate is also causing Gen Zs to talk more openly about their finances. More than four in five (84%) discuss money with peers, compared to 57% of over-55s. When asked what was driving this more open approach, the biggest reason by far was the cost of living crisis, with 78% citing this, followed by the buzz created by the rise of crypto (40%).

The survey of 2,000 UK adults was carried out by Samsung UK and eToro as part of an educational bitesize content series aiming to help Gen Z learn about money management and investing on the go from their phone. The data shows there is appetite for more education in this area, with two thirds (68%) of Gen Z believing economics should become compulsory in schools to better prepare people for future crises.

Sam North, Market Analyst, at eToro said: “Millions of Gen Zs will be feeling the sharp end of high inflation and unaffordable housing so it’s no wonder so many are swatting up economics, their finances and investing. This age group is realising that they need to be proactive when it comes to money and take steps today to improve their financial future. Technology is helping many of them to achieve this. Gone are the days of investing being the reserve of the elite and super wealthy.”

According to the research, the current climate is also making Gen Zs consider how to make their money go further – with two thirds (64%) stating they are now thinking more about financial markets and investing. When it comes to participating in financial markets, technology is playing a central role for this age group, with 40% having invested money using an app versus 13% of over 55s, and 29% of 41-55-year-olds.

Additionally, it was found that one in five (22%) Gen Zs – more than any other age group – own what is classed as an ‘alternative investment’. Within this category, they have a preference for wearables, with Gen Zs most open to investing in trainers watches and handbags, while in contrast, millennials (26-40) are more open to alcohol-based alternative investments such as whiskey and wine.

Samsung UK and eToro’s educational video series covers investment topics from diversification to dividends.

The companies also brought together industry experts for a panel event on Tuesday 8th November discussing investing and how to get savvy with your money. Key take outs from the event called ‘Investing In You’ included; having an emergency fund before you start investing and ensuring your finances are checked daily.

The event was hosted by financial adviser Emmanuel Asuquo, with panelists including finance-focused influencers Bola Sol and Grace Beverley, and eToro Market Analyst Sam North.

For more information on the campaign visit: https://www.samsung.com/uk/explore/kings-cross/discover/lifestyle/boss-your-finances/samsung-and-etoro/