Honey, The Economy Shrunk Our Kids; Brands See Growth in Digital Fatigue; Health Insurance Needs Abroad; Stress of Modern Parenting

Honey, The Economy Shrunk Our Kids, Brands See Growth in Digital Fatigue, Health Insurance Needs Abroad, and Stress of Modern Parenting

The latest trends in society and culture from The Harris Poll

Good afternoon from somewhere between MSP and DCA. Could we please post this before we reach 10,000 feet?

One Interesting Stat: According to healthcare experts we surveyed with U.S. News & World Report, we asked 350 pharmacists and 130 dermatologists to rate the best OTC products. Nature Made, CeraVe, and Neutrogena were among their favorites.

We have four new stories this week:

1. In a Guardian-Harris Poll, Americans postpone major life events amid economic uncertainty.
2. As digital fatigue grows, brand experiences are jumping off the screen.
3. International health insurance is key to moving abroad, say expats in the know.
4. And being a “perfect parent” is causing insane stress today.

Life In An Economic Holding Pattern: The Guardian-Harris Poll

Have you put off some spending, or do you feel uncertain about making significant commitments? That’s the vibe we get in our latest poll with The Guardian as Americans pause big decisions amid growing economic anxiety.

• Many Americans want to make significant financial decisions this year, like making a big purchase (45%) or buying a home (42%).
• Yet, three in five (61%) say the economy has affected at least one of their primary life goals this year.
• Of those with goals, the economy has negatively impacted home buying (75%), moving to a higher-cost-of-living area (70%), and large purchases (66%).
• Some pauses are even more fundamental, like having a child (65%), switching jobs (63%), or even getting married (60%).
• Much of this personal uncertainty comes from rising prices: Two-thirds (65%) of Americans think living costs have worsened since the start of the year.

Takeaway: Polling is a moment in time. Yet our data tracks with declining consumer confidence and the current climate of uncertainty. While there’s a general trend of consumers cutting back on some spending, there are still pockets of growth, especially among wealthier consumers. BOA reports consumer spending is up 1.1% YOY in March 2025. Watch if optimism ticks up with the ninety-day pause on the extreme tariff war between China and the U.S.

Brands Build More Equity IRL: Quad-Harris Poll

As more Americans try to reduce their screen time, our new study with Quad reveals greater consumer desire for more brand experiences that are tangible, instead of (just) digital.

• We need digital relief! Eight in ten Americans (81%) say digital detoxes should be routine and would rather have an in-person social life than a digital-only one.
• Also, four in five Gen Z (81%) wish it were easier to disconnect from digital devices.
• IRL retail experiences drive connection: Three-quarters (76%) say physical retail experiences help them connect deeper with people and brands.
• Yet, younger consumers want brands to enhance physical shopping digitally rather than replace it (Gen Z/MLS: 78%).
• (84%) Gen Z/MLS also value brands that seamlessly blend technology and physical experiences.

Takeaway: “What’s fascinating about this research isn’t simply a pandemic-driven return to physical retail,” says Harris Poll CSO Libby Rodney. “We’re seeing a cultural shift driven by digital natives themselves – Gen Z and Millennials are actively seeking the serendipity and human connection that online can’t deliver. They expect retailers to blend digital convenience with meaningful physical experiences, creating moments of discovery impossible to replicate on screens. Today’s consumers aren’t choosing between channels; they want brands that orchestrate both for experiences that feel both seamless and authentically human.”

Health Coverage Is Holding Back More People From Living Abroad: GeoBlue-International Citizens Insurance-Harris Poll

Relocating overseas is tempting for some, but concerns over access to healthcare are uncertain in our new survey with GeoBlue and International Citizens Insurance:

• Among potential expats, a third (31%) cite concerns about international health insurance as a key reason they haven’t moved abroad; more than worries about work or social life.
• Solving the health insurance headache is a must: They say finding affordable and reliable international health insurance would make it easier. And for those who have relocated, four in five (82%) say having global coverage gives them peace of mind, and (76%) feel more confident navigating foreign healthcare systems.
• Still, more than one in three expats moved abroad without international insurance, assuming their domestic plan would be enough.

Takeaway: “If you’re moving abroad and planning to use your existing domestic health plan, you risk finding yourself with little to no coverage overseas,” says GeoBlue’s Don Van Scyoc, VP, individual sales. “Beyond the financial safeguards, international health insurance provides peace of mind and ensures you can get and pay for care, from the routine to the critical.”

Perfect Parenting Burnout: KinderCare-Harris Poll

In our sixth annual KinderCare Confidence Index, two-thirds of parents (67%) say the pressure to be a “perfect parent” adds stress and anxiety daily. In comparison (60%) feel overwhelmed by the demands of modern parenthood.

• External pressures weigh on parents regularly: Most parents (80%) say the pressures to ensure their child is successful are intense.
• Further, (77%) feel they must put on a brave face and persevere, even when parenting feels too much to handle.
• High-quality child care stood out as the top resource for improving parent mental health, with most parents (90%) agreeing that quality child care gives them confidence.

Takeaway: The escalating mental health crisis among today’s parents urgently highlights the need for policymakers and business leaders to enhance child care benefits. “We know the positive impact that dependable, high-quality child care can have on a parent’s mental health. We are at a pivotal moment where policymakers and businesses can help alleviate some of that stress with comprehensive child care benefits,” said Dan Figurski, President of KinderCare for Employers and Champions.