What the data shows
The Take — Recession anxiety is spiking, with inflation fears and job security worries pushing concern near alarm levels.
What's Happening People are increasingly uneasy about rising prices, as searches about inflation have surged and now dominate the conversation. This growing focus on the cost of living is making financial stability feel more fragile for many, especially as everyday goods and services get more expensive.
There’s also a noticeable uptick in worries about unemployment, with students and young professionals openly discussing job prospects and the pressure to upskill. Stories of financial strain—like those from college students fearing their degrees aren’t enough—are resonating widely. The mood has switched from cautious to tense, with more people questioning whether they're prepared for tougher times ahead.
Looking Ahead With concern levels climbing fast and inflation staying center stage, expect recession talk to remain heated unless there’s relief on prices or more optimistic job news.
This reflects public sentiment, not economic conditions.
How this compares
A week earlier the index was 41. That's a rise of 21 points over seven days.
The last two weeks
The R-Word Index is built from public human-authored writing — not media headlines. How this index is calculated.