The profit incentives in the market are currently aligned with exploiting the worst instincts of young men.

“Unfortunately, I hate to say it, the guys who are going to clean up here are the guys tapping into young men's worst instincts. You're going to see the speculation markets boom. gaming is out of control because if you're a 19-year-old dude in a French class at Cal State Northridge, it'd just be more”

Modern ideas of manhood often discourage men from showing vulnerability or admitting fear, which fuels loneliness and prevents healthy connection.

“Manhood in America has become since John Wayne, I guess, since post-World War II, it's become the sort of macho, carry your own water, be physically strong, emotionally self-contained, carry your own water, and just deal with it.”

He notes that many people are dominated by fear, particularly men who view admitting it as a sign of weakness.

“I think so many people are dominated by fear and don't know it. But they don't want to admit it either because that would mean that's weakness. And one thing a man can't be is weak. So you don't want to admit fear.”