RTE summary ofCan Common-Sense Solutions Fix What Ails Young Men?, news report, The Dispatch,
The Dispatch reports on the Symposium on Young American Men in Washington, D.C., where a bipartisan group of lawmakers, policy experts, and journalists discussed joblessness, isolation, and a lack of meaning among young men, along with policy and lifestyle changes that might help.
Polling firm Cygnal surveyed 1,000 young men ages 16 to 28 about how satisfied they are with their lives. According to Cygnal's pollster, those faring worst spend six or more hours a day online, never exercise, are not religious, and do not belong to any organized group, and they report worse mental health, fewer friends, and lower life satisfaction. Those who say their lives are on track still spend a lot of time online, but under six hours a day, and they spend 11 or more hours a week with friends in person, exercise regularly, belong to organized groups, and have male mentors.
Why it matters
The survey points to balance rather than abstinence: the young men doing well were still online often, but screens did not crowd out friendships, exercise, and mentors. That nuance is useful for schools and families deciding how technology fits alongside the in-person parts of growing up.
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