Young men are avoiding the risk and friction of real relationships by choosing frictionless versions (apps, phones, online); this prevents them from developing 'scar tissue' and the confidence that comes from recovering from rejection, which then makes them risk-averse in other domains (applying for jobs they're not qualified for, approaching strangers, taking ambitious bets).
causalpending
Speaker
Unidentified Speaker — What’s Actually Breaking America — with David Brooks | Prof… [rJAAQ0W4Czs]Evidence Quote
“I worry that a lot of young men choose a frictionless, risk-free version of relationships and never develop the scar tissue or the calluses or the confidence... if it doesn't work I'm going to be fine.”
Source
What’s Actually Breaking America — with David Brooks | Prof G Conversations— The Prof G Pod – Scott GallowayCreated: 8/11/2026, 6:14:02 AM
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