If Research Results Cause So Much Debate, Was There Enough Investigation?
Columnist Julien Althuisius questions the clarity of a recent HBSC study showing a sharp decline in acceptance of homosexuality among Dutch youth between 2021 and 2025. The data indicates positive attitudes dropped from 40% to 22% among boys and from 78% to 51% among girls, yet the study offers few explanations beyond mentioning the 'manosphere.' Althuisius criticizes the lack of nuance, noting that nearly 60% of students still agree homosexual peers can be friends, and questions whether finding same-sex kissing 'disgusting' accurately measures tolerance. He contrasts these findings with a March University of Amsterdam study showing most Dutch youth support equality regardless of sexual orientation. The columnist argues that while intolerance must be fought, the current research provides hard numbers without sufficient context, leaving society overwhelmed by information but no wiser on how to address the issue.
Ozetta summarises; the reporting is the newsroom's