Exchange, emotions and reflection. Youth representations of the future

Abstract

The objective of the present work focuses on these questions: What representations of the personal and social future do young people have after the pandemic? How do they value their participation in a focus group about their future project and the future of humanity? Focus groups were held among young university students with the dual purpose of 1) to collect and analyze information and obtain an overview of their prospects after the pandemic, and 2) to understand and reflect on their assessments regarding the practice of this technique as introspection, communication and reflective interaction. This takes place through social representations, obtained through a questionnaire applied after the groups at the Metropolitan Autonomous University. Social representations about the personal future outlined in emotions and thoughts highlight tranquility and hope, although some point out uncertainty and fear; however, optimistic thinking and positive emotions stand out. Another thing is the future of humanity outlined in a pessimistic, conflictive, and uncertain way. Participation in the focus group was clearly favorable, as a personal and collective experience and reflection, and to refine their future project, as well as getting to know other people’s own.