(OPINION) From London to Los Angeles, an increasing number of young men are retreating from society, isolating themselves for extended periods. When asked about their feelings of loneliness, men are more likely to report feeling socially isolated than women.
Some have suggested that changing norms and expectations are to blame. Others have suggested that some young men are uncomfortable with how masculinity is being reimagined, reshaped, and redefined.
This discomfort, they argue, has created a profound sense of uncertainty and unease. But are plummeting testosterone levels playing a role in young men’s desire to separate themselves from society?
On both sides of the Atlantic, young men’s testosterone levels are tanking, according to studies conducted in 2006, 2007, and 2013. Contrary to popular belief, testosterone, a hormone produced by the gonads and adrenal glands, does much more than merely regulate sexual desire.
Low testosterone levels are intimately associated with reduced body and facial hair, loss of muscle mass and bone density, and, in dire cases, even infertility.
Medical research also demonstrates a strong association between low testosterone levels and dips in mood, and increased levels of social anxiety.
A 2017 study found that men who played video games had lower libidos than those who didn’t. In fact, the researchers suggested that engaging with video games released dopamine — the same “pleasure hormone” released during orgasm — which could contribute to lack of interest in intimacy.
Playing video games is pleasurable — but it’s also stressful, potentially leading to an increase in the prolactin hormone and a decrease in testosterone, according to The Sun.
High prolactin levels in men can cause impotence. Likewise, watching pornography incessantly could contribute to lower sex drives as well, although the jury’s still out on that theory.
A 2016 study found that “chronic Internet pornography use resulted in erectile dysfunction and delayed ejaculation.” But some experts have found that the X-rated indulgence isn’t necessarily lowering testosterone levels, it’s curbing desire.
“Porn addiction can lead to desensitization to sexual stimuli, which can decrease arousal and lead to difficulties achieving and maintaining an erection,” Dr. Rob Weiss, a clinical sexologist and psychotherapist, told The Post last month.
A few young men told The Post about their sexual woes — they couldn’t get an erection with a woman after years of watching porn. In fact, a 2020 study found a link between watching adult videos and taking longer to climax with a partner. According to The Sun, pornography and video gaming could impair the sleep cycle, which could, in turn, lower testosterone levels.
