Young men recognise the risks of crypto but are more likely to invest anyway, Ipsos poll reveals

New research from Ipsos in the UK, in partnership with JOE media, suggests that while young men are significantly more likely than young women to have invested in cryptocurrency over the past twelve months, they are also more likely to believe that it is riskier than other forms of investments. 

The new polling is part of Ipsos in the UK and JOE media’s Modern Masculinity campaign, which provides an evidence-based picture of modern masculinity and dispels myths surrounding young British men. 

Financial concerns

• Over half (56%) of Britons aged 16-75 express concern about their current financial situation, with one in five (18%) saying that they are very concerned.
• Younger adults (16-34) are more apprehensive (60% concerned) about their current financial status compared to those aged 55-75 (45% concerned).
• More than half (56%) of Britons aged 16-75 are concerned about their financial future over the next three to five years. This includes 55% of those aged 16-34, and 49% of those aged 55-75.
• When asked what the most important factors are for financial security, Britons are most likely to cite savings and investments (69%), stable employment (67%), and low personal debt (57%). However, stable employment is a key factor for financial stability for 16-34s (70% of those aged 16-34s vs 58% of those aged 55-75), with owning a home ranking higher amongst 55-75s (67% of those aged 55-75 vs 45% of those aged 16-34).
• Almost three in four (73%) say it’s more difficult for young people to feel financially secure than it was 20 years ago. 64% of young men say that it’s more difficult, compared to 75% of young women.
• Around seven in ten of both younger and older Britons (70% of those aged 16-34 vs 72% of those aged 55-75) say it is more difficult for young people to feel financially secure than it was twenty years ago. 
   

Perceptions of wealth

• When asked how much they think someone needs to earn per year to be considered 'wealthy', young men are more likely to consider an income over £100,000 as indicative of wealth (55%) than young women (43%).
• Young men (32%) are around twice as likely to think that wealth is important to attract a romantic partner than young women (15%).
• In order to consider themselves wealthy, young women are more likely to prioritise a lack of day-to-day financial worries (70% women aged 16-34 vs 60% men aged 16-34), while young men are more likely to prioritise generational wealth (46% men aged 16-34 vs 39% women aged 16-34).
• Two thirds of young men (66%) believe that you need to be competitive in order to be successful, compared to half (50%) of young women.
• Young women are more likely to have cut back spending on hobbies/leisure activities (58% women aged 16-34 vs 51% men aged 16-34) and subscriptions (56% women aged 16-34 vs 44% men aged 16-34) than young men to save money. 

Cryptocurrency

• Almost two in ten (18%) younger Britons aged 18-34 have invested in cryptocurrency in the past twelve months, compared to just 1% of those aged 55-75.
• Approximately 28% of young men aged 18-34 have invested in cryptocurrency in the past year, compared with 9% of young women in the same age group and 8% of the population overall.
• Young men are also more likely to discuss these investments with friends (39%) than young women (13%).
• However, young men are more likely to see cryptocurrency as more risky than other investments (59%) than young women (46%).
• Seven in ten (69%) older Britons aged 55-75 believe cryptocurrency is riskier than other investments, compared to just over half (53%) of those aged 18-34.
• Among those who have invested in cryptocurrency, social media (39%) and friends (38%) are seen as the most influential sources of information impacting their decision-making. Conversely, those who have never invested in cryptocurrency are most likely to cite media coverage (27%) as the primary factor behind their decision. 

Gambling

• Around four in ten (39%) young men aged 18-34 have engaged in sports betting within the last six months, compared to 13% of young women and 19% of the public overall.
• Young men aged 18-34 are more likely to say that they discuss their gambling with their friends (51%) than young women (41%). They are also more likely to say that friends (34%) and social media content (25%) have influenced their decisions around gambling than young women (20% friends, 15% social media).
• Two in ten (22%) Britons say that gambling has negatively impacted their mental health, rising to 32% of young men aged 18-34 and 29% of young women.
• Just over half (52%) of young men agree that gambling is a harmless form of entertainment if done in moderation, compared to 35% of young women and 42% of the population overall. 

Richie Jones, Chief Client Officer at Ipsos in the UK, says:

“Our latest research with JOE media reveals intriguing insights into young men's financial attitudes in Britain today. It becomes evident that for many young men, perceptions of wealth are tied not only to financial security but also to their broader life goals, including romantic aspirations. This is reflected in their openness to high-risk, high-reward ventures such as cryptocurrency and gambling, which they perceive as potential pathways to achieving significant financial milestones. Despite acknowledging the risks, young men seem drawn to these avenues as they aim to rapidly bridge the gap to their notion of success and wealth. This underscores the importance of addressing both the financial ambitions and emotional impacts of these investment choices, emphasising informed dialogue to guide young men through financially turbulent waters.”

Ava Santina, Political Correspondent at JOE media says:

The findings from this collaboration with Ipsos provide valuable insights into the complexity of modern masculinity as it relates to the financial behaviours of young British men. It is fascinating to see how traditional notions of wealth and security are being challenged by younger generations who face starkly different economic realities. This research not only exposes the financial pressures felt by young men today but also underscores the importance of addressing the social factors influencing these financial decisions. By understanding and acknowledging these concerns, we can begin to shape a more informed and supportive environment for young men as they navigate their financial futures.

Ipsos in the UK and JOE Media have previously explored dating, socialising, and media consumption as part of the Modern Masculinity campaign. There will also be another module on pornography and taboos in the coming weeks. 

Technical note

• Ipsos Omnibus interviewed a representative sample of 2,494 online British adults aged 16-75. Polling was conducted from the 30th October – 4th November 2025.
• Data are weighted to match the profile of the population. All polls are subject to a wide range of potential sources of error.