The use of Catalan concerns more than half of Catalans, according to the CEO

Perceptions of Catalan and immigration are changing in Catalonia. Concern about security and the use of social media is growing. Favourability towards the United States has fallen below that towards China. The study reveals trends affecting everyday life.

Perceptions of the use of Catalan in Catalonia have taken a significant turn: more than half of Catalans believe the language is used little at present, and most fear that its social presence will decrease even further in the coming years. This is reflected in the latest study by the Centre d’Estudis d’Opinió (CEO), which gathers the views of more than 6,700 people aged over 16 and brings a growing concern in the city's everyday life to the fore.

The report shows that 53% of respondents believe Catalan is used little, while only 9% think it is used a lot. In addition, 52% expect the language to have an even smaller presence in Catalan society in five years' time. This trend has intensified since 2023, when the proportion of those who saw limited use was notably lower. Looking to the past, 57% say Catalan is spoken less than it was five years ago, and only 12% perceive an increase.

At the same time, Catalans' favourability towards the United States has fallen to historic lows and, for the first time, is below their assessment of China. The average favourability score for the United States falls to 3.7 out of 10, while China rises to 4.7. The European Union retains a positive assessment with 6.5 points, while Russia is left behind with 2.4.

Perceptions of immigration have also changed significantly. Some 40% of respondents believe that more than half of the Catalan population was born outside Spain, a figure that has doubled in two years. In addition, 83% consider discrimination to be commonplace in Catalonia, and the proportion of people who have felt discriminated against has risen to 37%. The main reasons are language (41%) and nationality or place of origin (39%), followed by ethnic origin and physical appearance.

As for security, concern about being the victim of a crime remains stable: 33% worry from time to time, 28% often and 11% always. When walking home at night, only 14% feel very safe, while 42% say they feel little or not at all safe. In addition, 75% of respondents believe sentences for crimes are too lenient, a perception that has been increasing in recent years.

The use and perception of social media are also changing. Some 32% of Catalans see them as negative or very negative, while only 25% consider them positive. The percentage of people who do not use social media has fallen from 23% to 14% in two years. Instagram and TikTok are the fastest-growing platforms, while Facebook and X are losing users markedly.

The Centre d’Estudis d’Opinió (CEO) has established itself as a benchmark for measuring social and political trends in Catalonia. Its citizen panels make it possible to capture changes in perception in real time and offer a precise snapshot of the population's concerns and priorities. The results of its studies often influence public debate and decision-making by Catalan institutions, especially on issues as sensitive as language, coexistence and security.