While most parents would hope their children are interacting with content that is positive, or at the very least neutral, to their well-being, that might not always be the case. The issue is with algorithms. Even with adults, these algorithms can steer people in certain directions and keep them in bubbles that lead to misinformed opinions or harmful radicalization. Couple this subtle manipulation of interests with the impressionable mind of a teenager, and the issue becomes more prominent. That is the sort of phenomenon that has been recently observed in teenage boys. With influences like Andrew Tate, Joe Rogan, Ben Shapiro, and others, there’s no shortage of monetized content promoting a restrictive, and sometimes destructive, viewpoint of masculine ideals.
Outside of the influence of algorithms, another reason for this phenomenon is the lack of cultural and systemic emphasis on young men’s mental health, self-confidence, and communication skills. This leads to several contemporary and prolonged issues among the male population. A recent issue, dubbed “the male loneliness epidemic,” describes the struggle of young men with finding and maintaining interpersonal connections, to the point where they feel socially isolated. Boys are not being given the proper tools to navigate interpersonal relationships, and therefore cannot partake in a basic human need.
A persisting problem among males is the suicide rate. According to the CDC, in 2023, the male suicide rate was 22.7 per 100,000 people. Men made up about half of the American population, but accounted for 80% of the suicides that year. Among men ages 10-24, the suicide rate was 15.8 out of every 100,000 people. Other than a slight drop in 2018, the suicide rate for men has been consistent for the past twenty years. Suicide is one of the leading causes of death for Americans. Meaning, once again, American culture and systems are failing to support boys by such a wide margin that this fatal outcome befalls many innocent people.
The loneliness epidemic and suicide rates are, of course, extreme examples, but they are still something to be wary of when it comes to teenage and young adult boys. There are a myriad of other things to look out for, as well.
Solving the cultural and systemic issues is easier said than done. It’s something that can’t be done overnight, yet in the meantime, these young men still need help. Luckily, there are attainable solutions to be able to support pre-teen and teenage boys. Being proactive and uplifting them is one example, and something that can be done by friends, family, and role models who promote positive traits in men. Traits like mindfulness (especially when it comes to mental and physical health), self-confidence, and emotional maturity. Providing emotional outlets is another way; this can be anything from therapy to just having someone trusted to confide in and get support from. Solutions can also be found in more community centered ways, too, with some common examples being sports teams or camps. It all comes down to teaching boys that they matter, not as future workers, and not because society considers men better than women… they mattered the moment they began living. So, let them know that they matter and that they can offer positivity to the world.
Teenage years are rough for anyone, and for adolescent boys, we see that difficulty manifest in a variety of ways. They turn to find solutions to ease their burdens that doesn’t always lead them to good places. Young men need something to turn to that isn’t rooted in extremism or dehumanizing ideologies, which ultimately harm themselves and others rather than lead to a positive outcome. A good option for positive support is Empowerteen, an organization dedicated to helping teens and pre-teens learn skills and values that help them become their best selves. Empowerteen’s retreats focus on teaching good communication/social skills, and practicing habits for stress relief as well as improved mental and physical health. Other events allow the perfect environment for teens to socialize with their peers. If you’re looking for a good solution to instill some extra positivity in a young man you know, check out what Empowerteen has to offer!
WRITTEN BY: Kris Sanders, Empowerteen Student Intern