Feb 13, 20243 min read

The Decline of Patriotism Among Young Adults and the Prospects of Conscription

Why Young People Don’t Want to Fight for the Country?

Tensions around the world seem to be at their highest in my lifetime. Yes, there was still conflict when I was younger such as in Iraq, but there wasn’t the same fear of war on a global scale. All this unrest, and our country's apparent lack of manpower within its military, has led to rumours of a possible return to national service.

Youth Perspective on National Service

Do I think conscription making a return would be a good thing? I’m quite torn in truth. For the country, a return would make complete sense. If our military doesn’t have enough men to defend itself then we have a serious problem. A return of conscription would most likely involve myself directly and this is where I start to see issues. As a 22-year-old I’m arguably in prime fitness with regards to age so would likely receive a call-up but we are in modern times and choice is a right many of us are familiar with. Lots of people my age feel no real pride in our country. In truth, what reason does a young person have to be patriotic to the country? We’ve had zero help from our government, there’s little potential in our economy right now and many of us will never be able to afford to own a house. When the country gives little to us, why should we give back to it?

Line of British World War 1 solders — Photo by Museums Victoria on Unsplash

The counterargument is I believe that if national service was already a thing I probably would have more love towards my country. If I was 22 in the 1950s I would have already served in the armed forces for 18 months. I believe had I done this I would be a lot more patriotic to my country, especially having served alongside other people your age which would build a sense of camaraderie. There are plenty of countries around the world that still have mandatory service. Most Scandinavian countries still require it as do Austria and Switzerland so it's not like conscription is an outdated concept, more just one that is out of favour in most places.

A Lasting Source of Allegiance

It's not like love for our country is completely absent within young people, it's just not maybe directly for the country. Take sport for example, when England is playing in football tournaments there is plenty of support for the country. We all don our shirts, sing the national anthem, and paint our faces with the flag of St. George but after the tournament, that sense of patriotism dies down pretty quickly. Outside of sport, there isn’t anything to be prideful of. We are a very divided country. That divide is everywhere to see, politically things are very conflicted right now. Economically the divide between rich and poor is massive. There’s even the North-South divide within our country that divides it even further. With all this division is it a surprise that we have a lack of people wanting to fight for the country?

Addressing the Challenge Ahead

Ultimately if war did develop close to home I do believe people would fight but I also believe many would refuse to. The only real love everybody has is for their family. There isn’t even a local community spirit never mind that on a national scale. Despite this, I want to make it clear I have nothing but the highest respect for anybody who has served our country. Our troops are something we can be proud of. Our Special Forces are the best in the world bar none and that is something we can be extremely proud of. We just don’t champion them as much as other countries like the United States. Over in the States, the Star Spangled Banner is everywhere. The national anthem is sung before every sporting event. Here in the UK unless a national team is playing or it's a Cup Final you simply won’t hear the anthem. The BBC used to play the anthem at the end of the day after programming had ended but since most BBC channels run around the clock this doesn’t happen anymore.

It's a real issue the country faces, there’s a lack of pride in our country and thus, at least in my opinion, a lack of people who want to serve the country. It's just another issue on a growing list the next government needs to address.

January Trends: New Year, New Habits

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16 January 2025

Paul Francis

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January is a month of fresh starts, big plans, and lofty ambitions. After the indulgence of December’s festive season, people around the world embrace January as a time for reinvention, setting new goals, and trying out popular trends. Whether it’s about health, finances, personal growth, or community involvement, January is brimming with activities to shake off the winter blues and kickstart the year.

Here’s a look at some of the most popular trends people dive into during the first month of the year.

1. Veganuary: Going Plant-Based for a Month

Veganuary encourages people to try a vegan lifestyle throughout January. The movement has gained traction in recent years, inviting participants to adopt a plant-based diet and avoid all animal products, including meat, dairy, and eggs.

For some, it’s about ethical considerations for animals. For others, it’s an environmental decision or a chance to improve their health. With more vegan options in supermarkets and restaurants than ever, January has become a prime time to explore this plant-based trend.

Pro Tip: If you’re curious but not ready to go all-in, try "Meatless Mondays" or explore plant-based versions of your favourite dishes.

2. Dry January: A Break from Booze

After the revelry of the holiday season, Dry January offers a chance to take a break from alcohol. The challenge isn’t just about abstaining but also about reflecting on drinking habits and exploring sobriety’s physical and mental benefits.

Many participants report improved sleep, better focus, and weight loss after a month without alcohol. It’s also an excellent opportunity to explore the growing world of non-alcoholic drinks, from mocktails to alcohol-free wines.

Fun Fact: Non-alcoholic drink sales spike in January, with more brands innovating delicious alcohol-free options.

3. New Year’s Resolutions: The Classic Goal-Setting Ritual

No January trend list is complete without mentioning New Year’s resolutions. From getting fit to learning a new skill, millions of people commit to self-improvement at the start of the year.

Common resolutions include:

Joining a gym or starting a fitness program.
Eating healthier or starting a new diet.
Saving money or tackling debt.
Picking up hobbies like painting, cooking, or coding.

Reality Check: Studies suggest most resolutions fizzle out by February. Small, actionable goals tend to be more sustainable than sweeping changes.

4. The 10,000 Steps Challenge

Fitness is a top priority in January, and walking challenges like hitting 10,000 steps a day have become wildly popular. Whether it’s for weight loss, cardiovascular health, or just clearing the mind, walking is an accessible activity that many embrace during the colder months.

Tip for Beginners: If 10,000 steps feels overwhelming, start small—5,000 steps daily can still make a significant difference.

5. Financial Clean-Up: No-Spend January

After December’s holiday splurges, many people use January to reign in their spending. A “No-Spend Challenge” is a growing trend where participants commit to only essential purchases for the month.

This minimalist approach helps reset financial habits, build savings, and encourage mindful consumption. Apps and planners are often used to track progress and identify areas to cut back.

Money-Saving Tip: Meal prepping and cutting back on takeaway coffee are common starting points for budget-conscious Januarys.

6. Mindfulness and Mental Health Focus

For some, January isn’t about physical challenges but mental clarity. Mindfulness practices like meditation, journaling, and gratitude exercises see a surge in popularity as people seek to start the year with a calmer mind.

Apps like Headspace and Calm see their highest downloads in January as users set intentions to prioritize mental health.

7. Decluttering: The “New Year, New Space” Movement

There’s something about starting the year with a clean slate—literally. Decluttering trends inspired by the likes of Marie Kondo or the “Swedish Death Cleaning” method encourage people to purge their homes of unnecessary belongings.

Many take this as an opportunity to donate unused items to charity, making the process as rewarding as it is practical.

8. Joining Community Challenges

January also sees people getting involved in community-focused activities. From volunteering to neighborhood fitness groups, the month is about connecting with others while working on personal goals.

Popular initiatives include charity runs, book clubs, and skill-sharing events. Social media hashtags like #NewYearNewMe help connect like-minded individuals worldwide.

9. Self-Education and Skill Development

Many people take advantage of the quieter January period to pick up a new skill. Online courses, language apps, and educational platforms experience a boom as people commit to expanding their knowledge.

Learning goals might include mastering a new instrument, taking up baking, or even delving into professional certification.

10. The Winter Wellness Movement

Finally, winter wellness trends like cold water therapy, infrared saunas, and vitamin D supplementation became popular in January. These practices aim to combat seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and keep energy levels high during the darker months.

Did You Know? Cold showers have been linked to increased circulation, improved mood, and even better immune response.

Final Thoughts: Embracing January Trends

January is a time of transformation, whether you’re adopting a new habit, exploring a challenge, or simply setting intentions for the year ahead. While not every trend will stick, the month offers a unique opportunity to reflect on what matters most and take steps—big or small—toward a better year.

The key to navigating January trends is to pick ones that resonate with your values and goals. Whether you’re giving up meat, ditching alcohol, or simply clearing out a junk drawer, every little effort counts toward making the new year brighter.

Here’s to a January full of meaningful starts!