How can young men practically improve their lives today?

Scott Galloway suggests three tactical steps: get physically strong through exercise, work a job outside the house to learn about capitalism and make money, and engage in group activities (non-profit, church, sports) to achieve something great in the agency of others.

Why does Scott Galloway believe Big Tech is a 'villain' for young men?

Big Tech's algorithms are designed to maximize screen time, sequestering young men from relationships and real-world skill development. This leads to them becoming asocial, asexual, anxious, obese, and depressed, preventing them from developing necessary professional and personal skills.

Does Elon Musk serve as a good role model for young men?

Scott Galloway acknowledges Elon Musk's inspiration in aggression, risk-taking, and grand vision (like EVs and Mars), considering him a "net good for the world." However, he criticizes Musk's online behavior of 'punching down' and lack of apparent appreciation for the American system, arguing he's not a great role model for convincing younger men about protection and caring for others.

Why is there an economic incentive to 'tear down' successful public figures online?

Online algorithms prioritize antagonism and conflict to generate more views and comments, leading to increased advertising revenue. This creates an economic incentive for content creators to 'getcha' famous figures, constantly seeking out their flaws or past mistakes, even if based on false or hyperbolic information.

Is approaching women for a date as risky as some young men perceive?

Scott Galloway believes the fear around approaching women and being 'canceled' is exaggerated. He states that most respectful approaches, even if met with disinterest, will be fine. He also contrasts the low statistical risk of harm on a date with the higher incidence of male suicide, suggesting men are more likely to harm themselves than a date.

How can the 'alliance between men and women' be renewed?

Scott Galloway advocates for discrediting inflammatory online content that teaches genders to distrust and blame each other. He highlights women's historical contributions to societal progress and argues that women's economic independence should motivate men to 'level up,' rather than fostering blame.

What are the proposed solutions for regulating Big Tech's negative impact on youth?

Scott Galloway proposes three main solutions: antitrust enforcement (e.g., divesting Instagram from Meta and YouTube from Google), removing Section 230 protections for algorithmically elevated content (holding platforms liable like media companies), and age-gating social media to restrict access for those under 16.

Why does Scott Galloway suggest lowering the drinking age to 18?

Drawing parallels with European countries and military service, Galloway suggests that easing young people into alcohol use at 18, rather than an abrupt introduction at 21, could lead to more social connection and potentially less alcoholism later in life. He argues that risks of loneliness outweigh risks of moderate alcohol intake for healthy individuals.

Is porn considered a significant addiction for young men?

Scott Galloway expresses concern that porn is an under-researched addiction and believes it damages young men by reducing their motivation for real-world social and sexual interaction. He sees it as a 'low-effort' substitute that hinders the development of essential life skills and healthy relationships.

How do political ideologies approach masculinity, and what's the balanced view?

The far right often conflates masculinity with coarseness and cruelty, while the far left conflates it with toxicity, advising men to be 'more like a woman.' Galloway advocates for an aspirational form of masculinity that celebrates initiation, healthy aggressiveness, and valor, balanced with self-control and thoughtful decision-making.

Why are young men facing economic and social disadvantages compared to older generations?

Galloway argues there's a significant transfer of wealth and health from young to old generations through policies like Social Security, which disproportionately taxes young people while benefiting the wealthy elderly. This, combined with high expectations and limited 'on-ramps' to the middle class, creates anxiety, depression, and obesity among youth.

What role does higher education play in these generational disparities?

Higher education, particularly elite universities, has become inaccessible for 'unremarkable' kids, prioritizing the children of the wealthy or the 'freakishly remarkable.' This creates a rejectionist culture where opportunities for upward mobility are limited, reinforcing the wealth transfer from young to old.

What is the simplest and most effective solution to help young men?

Scott Galloway emphasizes the critical need for male mentorship. He calls for older men to step up and actively get involved in the lives of boys and young men who lack positive male role models, offering guidance, support, and friendship, which is a rewarding and accessible societal fix.

Key Moments

Male Roles, Obligations and Options for Building a Fulfilling Life | Scott Galloway

Andrew Huberman

Science & Technology10 min read156 min video

Apr 27, 2026|18,582 views|848|133

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Key Moments

TL;DR

Big Tech's algorithms exploit human vulnerabilities to foster isolation and anger, creating a generation of anxious, depressed young men lacking critical life skills — yet simple, proactive steps can defy these trends and bridge societal divides.

Key Insights

Scott Galloway proposes a 'code' for men centered on three 'P's': provider, protector, and procreator, emphasizing future economic viability, safeguarding family, and channeling sexual desire into self-improvement (e.g., kindness, excellence, fitness).

He suggests that young men who consistently work out three times a week, work 30 hours a week outside the home, and volunteer at least three times a month place themselves in the top 8% of their demographic, significantly increasing their chances for success and relationships.

Big Tech platforms, driven by shareholder value, foster a 'frictionless life' illusion, leading to a rise in asocial, asexual males lacking essential social skills and an increase in mental health issues, with 40% of the S&P's value tied to companies monetizing user time.

Galloway argues for a 'renewal of alliances,' particularly between men and women, debunking myths that blame one gender for societal issues and emphasizing that women's economic ascent has strengthened society, calling for men to 'level up' rather than blame.

He critically notes a generational wealth transfer in the US: the average 70-year-old is 72% wealthier than 40 years ago, while the average 25-year-old is 24% less wealthy, largely due to policies like Social Security and tax deductions that favor older, wealthier generations.

Galloway contends that mandatory national service, observed in countries like Israel and Singapore with lower youth depression rates, could instill purpose, character, and intergroup understanding in American youth, counteracting isolation and societal division.

Big tech's damaging effects on young men and society

Scott Galloway identifies Big Tech as a primary antagonist to the well-being and development of young men. These platforms are engineered to create a 'frictionless life' illusion, incentivizing isolation by offering readily available content like social media, gaming, and porn, which replace real-world challenges and interactions. The algorithms, whether on TikTok, X, or YouTube, prioritize 'antagonism and comments' to drive engagement and shareholder value, often at the cost of societal cohesion and individual mental health. This constant exposure to curated, often hyper-sexualized or inflammatory content, combined with a lack of offline engagement, is fostering a 'new species of asocial, asexual males' who reach their 30s 'obese, anxious, and depressed,' having never developed crucial professional and personal skills. Galloway notes that 40% of the S&P's market value comes from companies whose sole mission is to monetize user time, demonstrating the immense economic incentive behind these potentially harmful practices. He critiques the lack of regulation, comparing it to the oversight of industries like fossil fuels or pesticides (EPA/FDA), and highlights the successful lobbying efforts that prevent effective oversight, leading to widespread societal damage—from fostering self-harm in teens to weaponizing platforms for political polarization by bad actors. He emphasizes that if a podcast were proven to cause self-harm in teens, it would be shut down, yet Big Tech operates largely unfettered despite similar, if not greater, evidence of societal harm.

A code for men: Provider, protector, procreator, and service

Galloway outlines a foundational 'code' for men, emphasizing a proactive, aspirational form of masculinity. The first tenet is to be a provider, with a plan to achieve economic relevance in a capitalist society. This doesn't necessitate a specific career path but rather a commitment to financial viability, whether through traditional employment or trade skills. Second is to be a protector, ensuring the safety and well-being of one's family and community. He notes the most 'manly' feeling comes from providing a secure environment where loved ones can thrive. The third 'P' is procreator, reframing men's sexual desires not as something to be demonized, but as a powerful motivator to become a 'better man'—cultivating kindness, excellence, fitness, and resilience to attract a partner. Beyond these, Galloway stresses the importance of service, contrasting 'optimizing for attention' with 'optimizing for service.' He adds the concept of 'surplus value,' arguing that true manhood is achieved when one contributes more to society (e.g., tax revenue, jobs, love) than one consumes, moving beyond a 'capitalist approach to relationships' to one of genuine contribution.

Tactical steps to foster male development and challenge isolation

To counteract the isolating effects of technology and navigate modern life, Scott Galloway offers actionable advice for young men. He advises a rigorous 'phone audit,' arguing that 5-7 minutes can reveal 8 hours of wasted time from sources like TikTok, X, porn, and gambling. This 'human capital' (time) should be reallocated to three key areas: 1) Physical fitness: working out at least three times a week to build strength and resilience, with the goal of being robust enough to 'kill and eat everybody or outrun them' if necessary, highlighting the body's natural advantages for men. 2) Economic independence: working at least 30 hours a week outside the home, even in entry-level jobs, to 'get a taste for the flesh of money' and understand capitalism. 3) Community engagement: participating in group activities (non-profits, sports leagues, church groups) at least three times a month, actively seeking opportunities to 'achieve something great in the agency of others.' He also champions the 'approach'—deliberately initiating conversations and expressing interest in friendships or romantic relationships, embracing 'no' as a necessary step towards success. Galloway states that men who consistently engage in these three practices (fitness, work, service) immediately place themselves in the top 8% of young men, significantly improving their prospects for meaningful relationships and a fulfilling life, eventually becoming 'voluntarily incelibate' rather than involuntarily so, which is now a major issue, with only one in three men under 30 in a relationship.

The critical alliance between men and women

Galloway asserts that the 'greatest alliance in history' needing urgent renewal is that between men and women. He warns against the divisive narratives propagated online, particularly among the 'manosphere' and certain 'reactionary notions on the left' that foster distrust and blame between genders. He explicitly rejects 'misandry cosplaying as social commentary' and highlights the economic and societal benefits of women's ascension into the workforce and leadership roles (e.g., post-WWII factory work, economic growth in the 70s-80s). This ascent, he argues, should motivate men to 'level up' rather than blame women for their own struggles. He pushes back against the notion that dating is inherently dangerous for women, citing statistics that men are significantly more likely to self-harm than to harm a date. He also challenges the 'toxic femininity' debate, implying that while important, it often overshadows men's very real struggles and the need for societal support for young men, who face disproportionate rates of suicide, addiction, and incarceration. The goal, he posits, is mutual appreciation and collaboration, essential for species progress and reversing trends like the 'sex recession' exacerbated by online platforms.

The importance of role models and the grace of imperfection

Galloway emphasizes the need for positive male role models and the acceptance of human imperfection. While acknowledging the societal scrutiny of public figures like Elon Musk or former President Trump, he argues for a nuanced perspective, noting that 'success might mean certain things for other people' and that perfect role models are unrealistic. He critiques the 'unhealthy attribute in our society where we're all just waiting for bad news' and the economic incentives within Big Tech to 'tear people down' through antagonistic content. He states that 'maturity is realizing people aren't perfect' and encourages learning from individuals while demonstrating 'a little bit more grace.' He recounts his own professional and personal flaws (divorce, unkindness to colleagues), acknowledging his 'impostor syndrome' and fear of past mistakes 'crashing down.' He argues that fearing criticism and public failure holds many men back, dismissing the notion that expressing romantic interest to a woman at a bar risks professional cancellation as 'bullshit and an excuse to be an incel.' This embrace of imperfection and willingness to take social risks, he suggests, is crucial for fostering genuine connections and achieving success.

Alcohol and cannabis: Isolation versus social connection

Galloway offers a controversial perspective on alcohol and cannabis, advocating for their social use to combat isolation. He asserts that for individuals without a history of addiction or negative reactions, the social benefits often outweigh the health risks, especially for young adults. He describes alcohol as a 'social lubricant' that facilitates 'wonderful bonding moments' and encourages connections, making it easier to overcome inhibitions for 'the approach' (expressing romantic interest) or fostering camaraderie among friends. He warns that the anti-alcohol movement, coupled with remote work trends, may inadvertently increase isolation and push young people towards more solitary drug use. While acknowledging the health warnings from experts like Andrew Huberman and the potential for abuse, Galloway suggests that easing into alcohol at a younger legal age (e.g., 18, as in the UK) could lead to more responsible consumption patterns and greater social engagement, rather than the current 'forbidden fruit' dynamic that can lead to excessive, often solitary, consumption. He also shares his personal positive experience with regulated cannabis edibles for sleep, though acknowledging the individual risks, especially for young men with predispositions to psychosis, and stresses that no substance should be consumed alone or during the work week. The core argument is that loneliness and social disconnection pose greater threats to well-being than moderate, social substance use.

The 'vampire generation' and intergenerational inequity

Galloway sharply criticizes his own generation (Baby Boomers/Gen X) for what he terms the 'vampire generation,' arguing they have perpetuated policies that unfairly transfer wealth and health from the young to the old. He highlights that the average 70-year-old is 72% wealthier than 40 years prior, while the average 25-year-old is 24% less wealthy. This inequity stems from policies like Social Security, which he argues funnels trillions from a more anxious and depressed younger generation to the wealthiest older generation. He also points to tax deductions for mortgage interest and capital gains, disproportionately benefiting older homeowners and stock owners, while young people, who typically rent and rely on current income, are disadvantaged. Galloway advocates for policy changes like mandatory national service (drawing inspiration from Israel and Singapore), taxing private school endowments, and dissociating property taxes from school quality to create a more equitable system. He also calls for reforms in higher education, which he sees as perpetuating inequality by favoring children of the wealthy and the 'freakishly remarkable,' rather than investing in 'unremarkable kids' and vocational training. He suggests that the current budget, with 40% of government spending going to those over 65, reflects 'f***ed up' values where 'we are literally transferring trillions of dollars from young people to old people,' robbing them of 'life and happiness.' He even suggests exploring lowering the drinking age to 18, noting that if one can be drafted, they should have the judgment to drink.

The call for male mentorship and community involvement

Galloway issues a passionate call for increased male mentorship, identifying its absence as a 'single point of failure' when boys 'come off the tracks.' He explains that when a boy loses a male role model (through death, divorce, or abandonment), he becomes 'more likely to be incarcerated than graduate from college.' He laments the disparity in mentorship, noting that in New York, three times as many women apply to be 'big sisters' than men apply to be 'big brothers,' partly due to societal taboos and unfounded fears of sexual abuse accusations. Galloway emphasizes that mentors don't need to be experts in adolescent psychiatry or highly credentialed; they just need to be 'good men trying to live a virtuous life.' He shares personal anecdotes of how crucial male mentors were in his own life, from giving him stock market lessons at 13 to offering simple advice. He encourages men to actively seek out opportunities to involve a child (whose lives can be impacted through simple gestures like taking them to a game or washing a car), highlighting the 'rewarding types of love' found in fraternal and paternal mentorship. He frames this as the 'easiest societal fix that doesn't involve the government' and the 'ultimate expression of masculinity,' asserting that 'if we want better men, we have to be better men,' by investing time and guidance in the next generation, especially those in single-parent homes.

Mentioned in This Episode

●Supplements

●Software & Apps

●Companies

●Organizations

●Books

●Drugs & Medications

●Concepts

●People Referenced

Masculinity, Relationships, and Big Tech: A Guide for Young Men

Practical takeaways from this episode

Do This

Have a clear personal code derived from religion, military, strong family, or positive masculine attributes.

Develop a plan to be economically viable and a provider for your family, even if just for skills like HVAC installation.

Cultivate physical strength and fitness; aim to be strong, fast, or flexible.

Work outside the house, even if it's a small job, to understand capitalism and make money.

Engage in group activities, like non-profits, church groups, or sports leagues, for social connection and purpose.

Practice 'the approach': express interest in friendship and romantic partners, accepting rejection as part of growth.

Optimize for service to others, rather than attention to self, to create 'surplus value'.

Demonstrate kindness, excellence, resilience, and perseverance.

Be available as a male mentor for young men who lack positive role models.

Avoid This

Don't fall prey to the illusion of a 'frictionless life' propagated by big tech and social media.

Don't let endless scrolling on TikTok, X, porn, or gambling sites consume productive time; reallocate it.

Don't blame women for your problems or lack of romantic success; instead, focus on leveling up yourself.

Don't be afraid of criticism or public failure; embrace the courage to take risks and learn from rejection.

Don't consume substances alone or during the week if you need to be on point the next day.

Don't use THC or alcohol if you have a history of addiction or are struggling with apathy, obesity, or self-loathing.

Don't let lifelike porn replace real-world effort to develop relationships and social skills.

Don't punch down or make personal attacks on those less powerful than you online.

Don't ignore the importance of regulating big tech and addressing generational wealth transfer.

Social & Economic Disparities for Young Men (Ages 20-30)

Data extracted from this episode

Issue	Men (Likelihood)	Notes
Suicide	4x more likely	Compared to whom is not specified, but indicates a high rate for young men.
Addiction	3x more likely	Compared to whom is not specified.
Incarceration	12x more likely	Compared to whom is not specified.
Relationships (under 30)	1 in 3 men	Compared to 2 in 3 women in relationships; women date older.
Youth living at home	Much higher rate	Contributes to asocial, asexual males.
Time outdoors	Less than prison inmates	For men aged 20-30 compared to 20 years ago.
Economic Wealth (25-year-old)	24% less wealthy	Compared to 25-year-olds 40 years ago.

Societal Data on Gender and Education

Data extracted from this episode

Category	Male Data	Female Data	Source/Context
Suicide Rate	40,000 men/year	N/A	Overall statistic mentioned by Scott Galloway
Murder by Men (women)	~2500 women/year	N/A	Way too many, but small number on dates with strangers
Murder by Partner (women)	Majority by someone female knows	N/A	Context for date safety discussions
Self-harm after a date (men)	16x more likely	N/A	Man 16x more likely to hurt himself than date partner
K-12 Suspensions	Twice as likely	N/A	Boy vs. girl on behavior-adjusted basis (black boy 5x)
High School Valedictorians	3-6 out of 10	7-10 out of 10	Girls now comprise 70-80% of valedictorians
College Enrollment	40%	60%	Female to male ratio in college
Economic Hypergamy (couples)	Male earns more 2x as often	Female earns less 2x as often	In cities where women make as much as men
Economic Viability for a Mate	25% of men consider it key	75% of women consider it key	Difference in mating market criteria

Generational Wealth & Opportunity Transfer (USA)

Data extracted from this episode

Generation/Group	Economic Change (vs. 40 years ago)	Taxation/Spending	Context
Average 70-year-old	72% wealthier	>40% of government spending	Wealthiest generation in history due to policy; Social Security
Average 25-year-old	24% less wealthy	Transfer billions to older generations	Most anxious, depressed, obese generation
NIH funding focus	N/A	Primarily on 65+ ailments	Less funding for mental health/addictions in youth
Social Security Tax	N/A	6% up to $160k cap	Disproportionately impacts young earners, benefits wealthy old
Mortgage Interest & Capital Gains Deductions	N/A	Benefits older, property/stock-owning people	Disadvantages young people who rent and earn current income
Healthcare Spending (USA)	N/A	$13,000 per individual/year	Leads to more obesity, anxiety, depression than other G6 nations; 30% households in medical debt

Common Questions

Scott Galloway proposes three core qualities: provider (being economically relevant and having a plan), protector (developing strength to protect loved ones and community), and procreator (channeling sexual desire into being a better man). He also adds service to others as a crucial missing component.

Topics

Education Policy Mental Health & Psychology Mindset & Self-Improvement Society & Philosophy Generational Wealth Social Isolation Big Tech's Impact

Mentioned in this video

Media

Rich Roll Podcast

Scott Galloway mentions having a similar nervous feeling before appearing on Rich Roll's podcast, indicating his respect for the host.

Jerry Springer Show

Andrew Huberman mentions the Jerry Springer show as an example of people enjoying focusing on others doing worse than them, which can make it easier to stay stagnant.

The Sound of Music

Scott Galloway jokingly suggests Andrew Huberman's book would be a bestseller even if it were the script of The Sound of Music, highlighting Huberman's large audience.

The New Yorker

Scott Galloway mentions feeling 'crushed' by a critical review of his book in The Atlantic or The New Yorker.

Mom

Andrew Huberman discusses his former football coach Bob Peters who he believed wrote 'Wait Till Your Mother Gets Home', which became the movie 'Mr. Mom'.

Magnolia

Scott Galloway quotes a line from Paul Thomas Anderson's film 'Magnolia': 'I have love to give. I just don't know where to give it,' to describe men who desire to mentor but don't know how.

Michael Corleone

Andrew Huberman mistakenly attributes the script for 'Mr. Mom' to his coach Bob Peters, which Scott Galloway corrects by saying 'Michael Keaton' was the star.

Organizations

New York University Stern School of Business

Scott Galloway is a professor at New York University's Stern School of Business.

UCLA

Scott Galloway mentions getting a code from sports at UCLA and later graduated from UCLA; it was a significant motivator for social interaction.

Fox News

Scott Galloway uses Fox News as an example of a media company that was fined $750 million for spreading lies about Smartmatic voting machines, contrasting it with the lack of liability for social media platforms.

Israel Defense Forces

Scott Galloway recounts spending time with an IDF battalion in Israel, where he observed young, fit individuals dedicated to service, similar to his experience at Annapolis.

CCP

Scott Galloway argues that the CCP, via social media platforms, might be addicting American youth and fueling divisive content.

Huberman Lab Podcast

Andrew Huberman hosts The Huberman Lab podcast, which focuses on science and science-based tools for everyday life.

GRU

Scott Galloway suggests that foreign bad actors like the GRU (Russian military intelligence) and the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) fuel antagonistic content on social media to divide Americans.

Naval Academy

Andrew Huberman describes his inspiring visit to the Naval Academy in Annapolis, where he observed disciplined midshipmen with strong physical and mental health. Scott Galloway mentions his own unqualified visit as a teenager and uses it to advocate for national service.

Berkeley

Scott Galloway mentions getting into graduate school at Berkeley despite a low undergraduate GPA, reflecting a different era of admissions.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving

Scott Galloway explains that the drinking age was raised due to MADD's effective advocacy against drunk driving and associated fatalities.

NIH

Andrew Huberman credits the NIH for funding his career but critiques its funding allocation, noting a disproportionate focus on the elderly instead of young people's mental health issues and addictions.

Companies

Morgan Stanley

Scott Galloway received his first code of professionalism from his job at Morgan Stanley, and later got a job there after college.

Goldman Sachs

Scott Galloway notes his partner worked at Goldman Sachs, making more money than him when he was a new academic, and also mentions people who went to Brown working there.

Wealthfront

Wealthfront is a financial solution for saving and investing with a cash account offering a 3.3% APY (4.05% with a limited-time boost for Huberman Lab audience). Huberman trusts it for navigating market shifts and managing risk.

FanDuel

Scott Galloway admits to gambling with options, but not on FanDuel, as part of his personal disclosure when mentoring young men.

Neuralink

Andrew Huberman mentions Neuralink as one of Elon Musk's companies making phenomenal progress in neuroscience.

SpaceX

Andrew Huberman cites SpaceX as an example of Elon Musk's commitment to big projects and his vision for humanity's future on Mars.

Tesla

Andrew Huberman mentions Tesla as one of Elon Musk's companies; Scott Galloway acknowledges Musk inspired the EV race, which is good for the world.

Qualcomm

Scott Galloway lists Qualcomm in San Diego as an example of a successful company in America.

Snap Inc.

Scott Galloway mentions Snap as a successful company in the US.