Are Our Young Men Being Forgotten?

Recent data from the CDC suggests that adolescents are facing major mental health issues, including surges in depression and suicidal ideation. This is especially true for girls. There is, however, cause to worry about young men. According to a story from The Hill, most young men are single, while most young women are not. As of 2022, the Pew Research Center found that 30% of U.S. adults are neither married nor living with a partner, nor engaged in a committed relationship. Nearly half of all young adults are single. Let’s take a closer look at these numbers: 34% of women and a whopping 63% of men. What explains this disparity? The Pew study reveals that since 2019, the share of single men who say they’re looking for dates or relationships has declined from 61% to 50%. In 2018, 28% of men aged 18 to 30 reported they had no sexual activity in the past year, compared with 18% of women in the same age group. The Hill report states that men in their twenties are more likely than women in their twenties to be romantically uninvolved, sexually dormant, friendless, and lonely. They stand at the vanguard of an epidemic of declining marriage, sexuality, and relationships that afflict all young Americans. Among the causes and factors contributing to this trend are a reliance on social media and online pornography. Additionally, more young women are choosing to date and marry slightly older men, while heterosexual women are becoming more selective.

Other troubling statistics about men come from a 2021 study from the Survey Center for American Life. They found that the share of men who have six or more close friends, which in 1990 was 55%, had shrunk by half to 27% by 2021. Meanwhile, those with literally zero close friends, which stood at 3% in 1990, have zoomed to 15%. An expert quoted by The Hill said this disconnect can have catastrophic consequences for young men. In the worst-case scenario, the young American man’s social disconnect can have tragic consequences. Young men commit suicide at four times the rate of young women. Younger men are largely responsible for rising rates of mass shootings, a trend that some researchers link to their growing social isolation.

The text is an excerpt from a CNN interview with NYU Professor Scott Galloway, who discusses the social and economic implications of online dating and the decline of the middle class in America. He argues that online dating has created a skewed market where a small percentage of attractive men get most of the attention from women, leaving many men feeling frustrated and alienated. He links this phenomenon to the rise of conspiracy theories, misogyny, and climate change denial among some men. He contrasts this situation with the post-war era, when America invested in education, housing, and manufacturing, creating a large and prosperous middle class that valued marriage and family. He suggests that failing young men is an existential crisis for America that needs to be addressed.

Professor Scott Galloway, elaborates on the challenges faced by young men in modern society. He claims that America has lost much of its manufacturing base and does not value young men as much as before. He also points out that men and women have different preferences when choosing a mate, and that online dating has reduced the complexity and diversity of these preferences. He also outlines that online dating favors women who are attractive and men who are economically viable, while ignoring other factors such as personality, chemistry, and persistence. There are fewer opportunities for people to meet in person, as social venues such as bars, sports, church, and work are less frequented. He implies that this situation is detrimental to the well-being and happiness of many young men.

So, what are the solutions to the challenges faced by young men?

• Seeking professional help when needed. Many young men may feel ashamed or reluctant to admit that they have mental health issues or need support. However, there are many resources and services available that can help them cope with stress, depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction, or other problems. For example, some online platforms offer confidential and affordable counseling for young men.

• Finding positive role models and mentors. Young men can benefit from having someone who can guide them, inspire them, and challenge them to grow. This can be a family member, a teacher, a coach, a friend, or a community leader. Positive role models and mentors can provide young men with advice, feedback, encouragement, and opportunities to learn new skills and explore their interests.

• Engaging in social and civic activities. Young men can also overcome their challenges by participating in activities that connect them with others and contribute to society. This can include joining clubs, teams, or groups that share their hobbies or passions; volunteering for causes that they care about; or advocating for issues that affect them and their communities. Social and civic activities can help young men develop their self-esteem, social skills, leadership abilities, and sense of purpose.