More than half of Australians (54%) believe social media does more harm than good, contrasting with global data where 54% of people agree that social media has a positive impact.

That's the headline finding of a new 'Global Trends: Understanding Asia' report from Ipsos, which includes data from Australia and New Zealand. The report is based on data from the 8th edition of Ipsos’ 'Global Trends' report, titled 'In search of a new consensus: from tension to intention'. The report is the largest public survey in the market research company's history, with 50,000 people interviewed across 50 markets.

Three key trends for Australian consumers in 2025 were identified: Technowonder, Retreat to old systems, and Climate convergence.

Driving these was the finding more than half of Australians (54%) believe social media does more harm than good. An equal percentage believe technical progress is destroying our lives, up from 44% in 2013. The data also shows Aussies are more cynical about technology and AI development than their Asian counterparts. Across Asia, two in three people (68%) said they felt AI was having a positive impact on the world, with China most open to embracing new technology.

More broadly, Ispos cited a pining for the days of old and retreat to old systems. For example, 52% of Australian Millennials are nervous about the future and would have preferred to grow up when their parents were children. By contrast, only one in four Baby Boomers said they would want to have grown up in an earlier time.

Then there's climate. A significant 77% of Australians agree we need to change our ways to avoid environmental disaster, up from 60% in 2013. Nearly two-thirds (64%) locally said they were already doing all they could to save the environment, slightly down on the global average of 72%. There's a firm eye on organisations too, with 73% of Australians believing big businesses are not paying enough attention to the environment, on par with the overall APAC average.

"Like many countries globally, Australia is on the precipice of change, particularly as technological evolution and climate change occurs at a rapid pace. Now more than ever, it is important to understand how Australians are thinking and the issues that are likely to preoccupy water cooler conversation in the coming years,"said Simon Wake, Ipsos Australia CEO.

"The insights reveal a region that is wary of technology, particularly social media, and is cynical about new technology and its impact on mental and emotional health. When it comes to climate change, Australians are more concerned than ever about the state of the environment. Like many of their global counterparts, they believe businesses have a critical role to play in minimising harmful environmental effects."

Ipsos is one of the largest market research and polling companies globally, operating in 90 markets and employing nearly 20,000 people.