A study by the Pew Institute in the USA highlights significant changes in the romantic and sexual lives of young men under 30. Over 60% of them do not have a partner, nearly double the rate compared to women of the same age group. Levels of sexual intimacy between men and women are at their lowest in the past three decades. Changes in social priorities, such as a focus on education, career, and financial independence among young women, along with the impact of the pandemic, have further influenced these trends. Many young men spend a lot of time on social media and consume pornography, which is linked to lower satisfaction with real sexual relationships and an increase in sexual problems. These factors together shape the intimate lives of today’s youth and potentially change the rules of partnership relationships.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning outlets emphasize the societal and structural factors contributing to the decline in romantic relationships among young men, such as economic challenges, changing gender roles, and the impact of technology and social media. They highlight the need for greater emotional education and mental health support to address these issues.
Center: Center-leaning sources report the findings with a focus on the statistical data and societal trends, presenting a balanced view of the changes in young men’s romantic lives. They note the influence of shifting priorities among young women and the role of technology without assigning blame, emphasizing the complexity of the issue.
Right: Right-leaning media often stress the decline in traditional masculinity and the consequences of modern lifestyle choices, such as excessive consumption of pornography and avoidance of emotional vulnerability. They may frame the issue as a cultural decline and call for a return to traditional values and roles in relationships.
