Only a third of RTL Today readers optimistic about 2022

Before we get started, it should be noted that this article is based on the results of an informal poll on our website, and as such cannot be taken as representative of any larger sample. Well, mathematically we did get a sufficient number of answers to say that it is theoretically representative of RTL Today readers, but even that should be taken with a pinch of salt, given our collection methods.

So take this for what it is: an interesting, informal poll result. Now, let's get to it.

Less optimism

The poll was devised to find out essentially one thing: how optimistic (or pessimistic) do our readers feel about 2022 as compared to how they felt as we entered 2021? The latter data point relies on respondents' recollections, as unfortunately we didn't run a similar poll last year. Here is how you answered:

Looking at the graph of your answers, there's been a clear shift towards pessimism as compared to how you report having felt entering 2021.

Read also: Predicting the future - how best to cope with an uncertain future while maintaining a sense of optimism?

We dove deeper into these data to see the structure of this shift, and found - perhaps unsurprisingly - that people had generally moved just over one step towards pessimism. So someone who felt neutral about 2021 is more likely to report feeling somewhat pessimistic about 2022, while those who felt very or somewhat optimistic about 2021 generally feel more neutral about this year.

The impact of coronavirus

We suspected - again, unsurprisingly - that the pandemic would have a considerable impact on our respondents' reported levels of optimism as we enter the new year, and that turned out to be correct. The graph below shows the overall reported impact.

Those who stated that the pandemic had "very little" impact on their outlook were twice as likely to be very optimistic about the year ahead, making up 50% of respondents who said it had very little impact.

Among respondents who said the pandemic very much impacted their outlook, 64% generally felt pessimistic, 19% felt some degree of optimism, and the remaining 17% were neutral.

What would make the year better than expected?

We'd love to know what you think would make this year better than expected, or indeed help it live up to your already high expectations, if you're in the group fortunate enough to feel optimistic! Is it all about the pandemic ending, or is there something else on the horizon that you're looking forward to? Something you wish would happen? Perhaps there's something we could help with, even?

Feel free to let us know in the comments below.