Young men are facing an epidemic and there are devastating political consequences for not addressing it.
This election cycle, commentators and political pundits kept talking about the widening gender gap in the electorate. There is no doubt that this shift helped get Trump across the finish line and should be a priority for Democrats to understand. However, I believe the shift is tied to a larger sociological trend among young men, something I am calling an epidemic.
Just a few weeks after Biden dropped out, I found myself on a White Dude’s for Harris call listening to a bunch of Hollywood stars tell people to donate. Then someone jumped on and started saying some interesting stuff. His name is Scott Galloway and until then I had never heard of him. I remember looking him up right away, following him and adding his podcast to my listening list.
A month or so later I saw he was on Rich Roll, a health and fitness podcaster whom I sometimes listen to. Their conversation opened my eyes to this epidemic among young men.
Scott shares many statistics that opened my eyes to the epidemic. For example, men are 3x more likely than women to be addicted, 4x more likely to die by suicide, 12x more likely to be incarcerated, and account for 70% of overdoses. As Scott puts it, “We don’t have a homeless problem or an addiction problem or an incarceration problem—we have a male homeless problem, a male addiction problem, and a male incarceration problem.”
I owe a lot of the thoughts in this article to Scott so I have linked the Rich Roll podcast here and more of his content throughout.
There is a lot I could try to cover in this post, but I will stick to:
The key factors leading to the epidemic
The political consequences of the epidemic
How we can address the epidemic in our politics
I want to cover this topic through the political lens, because that’s my bucket, but others have and should continue to cover this topic through a mental health lens, economic lens, cultural lens, etc.
Factors Leading to the Epidemic
There are many factors leading to the epidemic among young men. I’m not an expert in any of these factors and have mostly surface level knowledge in each topics so I won’t go too far into detail. I will provide some resources that have been helpful for me understanding each bucket a bit more so that you can go deeper if you’d like.
Economic Influences
These buckets will all be somewhat tied together, but the economic wellbeing of young men will be really tied into the other buckets below. Right now,.
To quote Scott Galloway, for the first time in our nation’s history a man or woman at age 30 is doing worse than their parents were at age 30. To be honest, I didn’t realize young men (and women) were falling that far off their previous generations.
Now, obviously the economic impact is huge for both young men and women, but I think it is important to point out that young men are falling behind young women. For example, about We also can’t ignore the masculine, societal expectations for men to be the breadwinners in society and when they’re worse off than their parents were they are told they’re failures. No doubt, these societal pressures only add to the problem.
Now, I know I just pointed to attending college as an indicator of economic well being, but we can’t leave this topic without discussing vocational work. Unfortunately, an entire generation of men were just told they were a failure if they didn’t go to college. When in reality our society and workforce needs more skilled workers like electricians, plumbers, mechanics, etc. This is a topic we will discuss more below, but as a society (and a political party) we cannot make college an end-all be-all for young men (or women!).
Social Influences
When young men feel unsuccessful or unable to sustain themselves as productive members of society, their social and romantic prospects often suffer as well. This dynamic creates a cycle of isolation, frustration, and disconnection that further exacerbates the problem.
Role Models
A lack of positive, relatable role models is a factor contributing to the struggles of young men today. The environments where boys and young men spend much of their formative years—such as classrooms—are increasingly dominated by women.
In schools, there are fewer male teachers than ever before. This absence matters, especially for boys who struggle academically or aren’t as engaged in traditional educational structures. For generations, programs like auto shop or metal shop provided hands-on, practical learning environments where non-academically focused young men could thrive. These programs gave them not only valuable trade skills but also mentors who embodied a path to middle-class success.
Unfortunately, many of these programs have been phased out in favor of more college-oriented curriculums. This shift has left young men without clear avenues into skilled trade work—fields that offer good wages and a sense of purpose. Without these role models and opportunities, many young men feel adrift, unsure of how to navigate a world where their traditional paths to success are shrinking.
Dating
Dating has fundamentally changed, and the rise of dating apps has amplified the challenges young men face. The "swipe culture" has made dating hyper-competitive, with algorithms often rewarding the most attractive or financially successful users. For young men who are struggling economically or socially, this system can feel unforgiving.
Additionally, studies show that women on dating apps tend to "swipe right" far less often than men, creating an imbalance where a small percentage of men receive most of the attention. For the average young man, this can lead to rejection fatigue and withdrawal from the dating pool altogether. Additionally, this rejection can lead to young men holding resentment among women.
Social Media
Social media is another significant factor. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok perpetuate a culture of comparison, where young men see curated highlights of wealth, success, and relationships. This constant exposure can fuel feelings of inadequacy and failure.
The Netflix documentary The Social Dilemma dives deeply into how these platforms are designed to manipulate our emotions and keep us engaged, often at the cost of our mental health. For young men already grappling with self-esteem, romantic and economic issues the pressures of social media can magnify their struggles.
It’s worth noting that social media doesn’t just affect individuals—it impacts how young men interact with their peers. Online interactions often replace real-life friendships, leaving many men without strong, supportive social networks. This lack of meaningful connection contributes to loneliness, another growing epidemic among young men.
Gambling & Crypto
Gambling is a quieter but equally destructive factor in this epidemic. The rise of online sports betting apps has made gambling more accessible than ever, and young men are disproportionately affected.
For young men already struggling financially, gambling can feel like a quick fix or a way to escape reality, but it often leads to spiraling debt and even deeper feelings of failure. A by the National Council on Problem Gambling found that young men are more likely to develop gambling addictions than any other demographic.
Crypto has added a new layer to this problem. The volatile nature of cryptocurrency markets can mimic the highs and lows of gambling, enticing young men with promises of quick wealth. Online forums, influencers, and social media feeds are filled with stories of people who “struck it rich” through crypto investments, creating a culture of risk-taking that can lead to significant financial losses.
Platforms like crypto casinos or speculative trading apps make it easy to conflate investing with gambling. For many, the distinction is blurred, and the rush of a potential windfall keeps them coming back—even when the odds are stacked against them.
Whether it’s sports betting, online casinos, or crypto speculation, gambling has become a pervasive and damaging force in the lives of many young men. Combined with other factors like economic instability and social isolation, it creates yet another trap that deepens their struggles and makes recovery even harder. Check out Michael Lewis’ for an interesting deep-dive into the addictive world of online sports betting.
The Political Consequences of the Epidemic
The struggles facing young men today don’t just affect their personal lives—they are shaping the political landscape in troubling ways. In the absence of positive influences, many young men are turning to online spaces that foster unproductive and often harmful ideologies. This vacuum is being filled by voices that exploit their frustrations and direct their anger toward convenient scapegoats, leading to deeper divisions in society.
Unproductive Voices Fill the Void
When young men feel lost or isolated, many turn to the internet in search of guidance. Platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Reddit become their de facto mentors, and influencers their role models. While some of this content starts with well-meaning advice—such as fitness tips or financial literacy—it often morphs into something much darker.
It begins innocently: watching videos on self-improvement or fitness routines. But algorithmic recommendations are designed to prioritize engagement, not well-being. Soon, a young man interested in self-betterment might find himself consuming content on manipulative dating tactics or cryptocurrency schemes marketed as a quick path to wealth.
From there, the content often becomes more extreme, with influencers stoking resentment and anger. Instead of addressing systemic challenges or offering constructive solutions, these voices blame external groups for young men’s struggles. Women are portrayed as hypergamous and untrustworthy, immigrants are framed as threats to jobs and resources, and society at large is painted as irreparably broken. These narratives do nothing to solve the real issues young men face—they simply channel their frustrations into anger and hatred.
The Rise of “Monk Mode”
A related trend is the rise of “monk mode,” where young men isolate themselves from society under the guise of self-improvement. On the surface, it seems like a positive movement: cutting out distractions and focusing on personal growth. But in practice, it often becomes a retreat from meaningful engagement with the world.
Men in “monk mode” withdraw from relationships, friendships, and community, seeing society as hostile and women as untrustworthy. Over time, this isolation deepens their disconnection and leaves them vulnerable to extremist ideologies that validate their grievances. Check out Nate Moore’s covering this trend.
Hatred Toward Immigrants and Women
In this vacuum of guidance and opportunity, anger toward immigrants and women has become a politically charged outlet for frustration. Nationalist rhetoric has flourished, feeding on economic anxiety and feelings of displacement. Some young men see immigrants as competition for jobs or as a drain on societal resources—ignoring the broader structural issues driving their struggles.
Meanwhile, resentment toward women has grown, fueled by a combination of personal frustrations and online echo chambers that amplify misogyny. Influencers and forums promote the idea that women are the cause of young men’s unhappiness—whether it’s through the “rigged” dynamics of modern dating or perceived societal favoritism. This animosity often manifests in political candidates that push regressive policies, oppose gender equity, and frame women’s empowerment as a direct threat to men’s well-being.
These narratives create a dangerous cycle: young men’s anger is misdirected toward vulnerable groups, which leads to further polarization and societal instability. Politicians and movements that exploit these divisions for political gain only deepen the problem, leaving the root causes of young men’s struggles unaddressed.
The Political Fallout
The result is a growing cohort of young men who are increasingly politically active—but in destructive ways. Some are drawn to nationalist or far-right movements that validate their anger and provide simple scapegoats for complex issues. Others retreat entirely from civic engagement, believing that the system is beyond saving.
This isn’t a small or fringe issue; it’s a significant and growing force shaping our political landscape. The rise of anti-immigrant sentiment, misogyny, and isolationism among young men is fueling polarization and undermining efforts to build a more inclusive society.
If these trends continue unchecked, the political consequences will be dire. A generation of men alienated from society and emboldened by toxic ideologies represents a threat not only to democracy but to the social fabric that binds us together. Addressing the root causes of their struggles is not just a moral imperative—it’s essential for the future stability of our society.
Addressing the Epidemic in our Politics
If the challenges facing young men are shaping our political landscape, then addressing these struggles must become a priority—not just for societal well-being but for the future of our democracy. Additionally, the data points to young men needing the most help right now, so it’s not just good politics, it is good governance.
It’s time for real solutions, and that begins with recognizing the problem and reshaping how we engage with young men in our politics.
Democrats Can’t Be the Anti-Men Party
The Democratic Party has made incredible strides in advocating for women, people of color, and marginalized communities—and rightfully so. But in doing so, there’s been a glaring omission: young men.
Take a look at the Democratic National Committee’s website—
. Nowhere on that list are young men mentioned. This omission sends a subtle but clear message: young men, particularly those struggling economically or socially, don’t see themselves reflected in the party’s vision. At the same time the group that the data indicates need the most help right now are young men.
If Democrats want to address this epidemic, we must start by communicating with young men in a way that resonates. That doesn’t mean pandering or watering down progressive values. It means acknowledging their struggles and offering solutions that show the party cares about their future.
Economic and Vocational Advancement
For many young men, their struggles stem from a lack of . The decline of vocational programs in schools has left countless young men without viable paths to middle-class careers. At the same time, economic inequality has made it harder than ever for young men without college degrees to build stable, fulfilling lives.
One solution worth exploring is a national service program. Such a program could offer young men (and women) the chance to gain valuable skills, earn a living wage, and contribute to their communities. Whether it’s through infrastructure projects, disaster response, or healthcare support, a national service program would provide purpose and direction while addressing critical needs in our country.
Expanding access to vocational training and apprenticeships is another key step. By investing in programs that prepare young men for careers in skilled trades—electricians, plumbers, mechanics—we not only address workforce shortages but also give these men a sense of and achievement.
Restrictions on Social Media
The role of social media in shaping young men’s lives—and their politics—cannot be overstated. While these platforms offer connection and information, they also fuel addiction, comparison, and radicalization. Algorithms push young men toward divisive content, amplifying anger and frustration rather than fostering understanding.
To address this, we need to consider age restrictions and better regulation of social media platforms. Just as we regulate alcohol and tobacco for young people, we should regulate access to social media for those under a certain age. Beyond restrictions, transparency from platforms about how their algorithms work and what content they promote is critical.
Parents, educators, and policymakers must also work together to provide digital literacy education. Teaching young people how to navigate online spaces critically can help them avoid the pitfalls of misinformation, manipulation, and toxic online subcultures.