Weekly Top Five Articles
Conservative "sexism," pornography and impulsivity, your sons' body image problems, and more
This is what stood out this week. . .
(1) “Are Young Men Really Becoming More Sexist? What the research says about the gender divide across the world,” By Jerusalem Demsas, The Atlantic Magazine (December 24, 2025)
Warning: the solutions of this article are somewhat bizarre and makes you wonder if, even with all the data, Alice Davis truly gets it. Also, there seems to be an automatic assumption that being conservative means that men will be, by definition, sexist.
Today’s episode of Good on Paper is with Dr. Alice Evans, a senior lecturer at Kings College London who is writing a book on the root causes of gender inequality across the world. Originally published in June, this episode helps untangle some of the reasons young men may be feeling disaffected and reacting differently than young women to macroeconomic and political trends.
This article examines the growing political and cultural gender gap among young men and women, exploring whether young men are becoming more sexist and the underlying causes of this divergence. Key insights include:
Global Trends: Young men in various countries, including the U.S., South Korea, and Poland, are increasingly supporting right-wing or anti-feminist political movements, while young women often lean more progressive. This growing gender divide is not limited to the U.S. but is observed worldwide.
Hostile vs. Benevolent Sexism: Dr. Alice Evans of King’s College London explains that while young men are generally supportive of women’s rights and leadership, some express "hostile sexism"—resentment toward perceived gains for women at the expense of men. This contrasts with "benevolent sexism," which frames women as needing male protection due to perceived incompetence.
Economic and Social Drivers:
Status Competition: Young men struggle with economic barriers, including difficulty accessing elite education, affording housing, and forming relationships, leading to a sense of diminished status compared to women.
Cultural Liberalization: Women’s growing financial independence and social freedoms reduce their dependence on men, heightening competition and rejection in the dating world for young men.
Social Media: Echo chambers on platforms like TikTok and YouTube amplify resentment, reinforcing negative stereotypes and fostering hostility.
Cultural Entrepreneurs: Influencers and media personalities exploit these tensions to promote divisive narratives, directing frustration toward women rather than structural issues like inequality or economic stagnation.
International Context:
South Korea: Hostile sexism spiked in response to feminist movements like #MeToo and systemic inequalities, such as mandatory military service for men.
Indonesia: Strict Islamic interpretations contribute to patriarchal attitudes among younger women and men alike, sometimes reversing progress toward gender equality.
Qatar: Education disparities favoring women exacerbate tensions as young men feel outcompeted in status-driven societies.
Potential Solutions:
Reducing Status Inequality: Addressing economic barriers like housing affordability could mitigate young men’s frustrations.
Fostering Empathy: Encouraging in-person interactions and banning smartphones in schools could reduce tribalism and increase understanding.
Regulating Social Media: Adjusting algorithms to limit exposure to extreme content could prevent polarization and reinforce moderation.
The article concludes that while structural and cultural shifts explain much of the growing divide, proactive measures could bridge gaps and counteract backlash. Evans emphasizes that addressing systemic inequalities and promoting empathy are crucial steps toward reducing hostility.
(2) “The torture of an unphilosophical life: The mind deserves a task worthy of its powers,” by Agnes Callard, Unherd, December 26, 2024
In her reflection on Robert Musil’s The Man Without Qualities, Agnes Callard explores the restless and fragmented life of its protagonist, Ulrich, as a metaphor for the mind untethered from philosophy. Despite Ulrich's intellectual prowess and his self-fashioned "philosophy" of essayism—living through novel, insightful observations—he remains burdened by a lack of ultimate purpose. His life is a series of disconnected experiences and reflections, leaving him intellectually idle yet tortured.
Callard contrasts essayism, which seeks novelty and avoids boredom, with a truly philosophical life, which pursues knowledge and strives to answer fundamental questions about the right way to live. Musil’s portrayal of Ulrich as "a machine for the relentless devaluation of life" highlights the perils of an unfocused mind. Without a task worthy of its powers, the mind becomes destructive, unraveling meaning and coherence.
The lesson is clear: for the mind to operate at its fullest, it needs the challenge of meaningful inquiry and the hope of answers. Philosophy, as Callard frames it, offers this refuge—a space where the mind can grapple with life’s deepest questions without fear of futility.
Through Ulrich’s example, Musil and Callard both warn against the life of thoughtful but aimless observation. Instead, they advocate for embracing philosophy as a way to give the mind purpose and avoid the torment of an unphilosophical existence.
(3) “Specific types of impulsivity serve as risk factors for problematic pornography use,” by Eric W. Dolan, PsyPost, December 27, 2024
The Link Between Impulsivity and Problematic Pornography Use
A recent meta-analysis published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine reveals that specific types of impulsivity—such as attentional impulsivity, nonplanning impulsivity, and positive urgency—are significant risk factors for problematic pornography use. Conducted by researchers from the University of Florence, the study synthesized data from 27 studies, analyzing how impulsivity traits correlate with general and compulsive pornography consumption.
The findings indicate that individuals with higher impulsivity scores are more likely to engage in pornography use, with some developing patterns that disrupt personal and social functioning. Key insights include:
Attentional impulsivity: Difficulty maintaining focus increases vulnerability to compulsive pornography use, as online platforms appeal to distracted tendencies.
Nonplanning impulsivity: A preference for immediate gratification over long-term consequences predicts problematic use.
Positive urgency: Acting impulsively during heightened positive emotions, though a smaller factor, also contributes.
Interestingly, while sensation-seeking tendencies were linked to general pornography use, they did not predict problematic patterns. The study also highlights gender and age differences, with men and younger individuals showing stronger links between impulsivity and problematic use.
Despite its insights, the research is limited by its reliance on correlational data, Western-focused samples, and a lack of exploration into the underlying mechanisms of gender and age differences. Future studies should examine cultural contexts, causality, and targeted interventions to address impulsivity traits.
This research underscores the importance of understanding personality factors like impulsivity in addressing compulsive behaviors and developing effective prevention strategies.
Addendum:
Understanding Impulsivity in Boys
Impulsivity in children, particularly in boys, often manifests as acting without forethought, difficulty waiting for turns, interrupting others, and engaging in risky behaviors without considering consequences. Such behaviors can lead to academic challenges, social difficulties, and an increased likelihood of engaging in problematic activities, including excessive pornography use.
Strategies for Parents to Help Their Sons Manage Impulsivity
Establish Clear Rules and Consistent Consequences: Setting clear expectations and consistent consequences helps children understand the boundaries of acceptable behavior. This structure provides a roadmap for behavior, aiding in the development of self-control.
From NeuroLaunch
Positive Reinforcement: Recognize and praise self-controlled behavior. Positive reinforcement encourages repetition of desirable actions and helps build self-esteem.
From NeuroLaunch
Teach Self-Regulation Skills: Introduce techniques such as deep breathing, counting to ten, or "pause and think" moments to help your child manage impulses. These tools empower children to control their reactions and make thoughtful decisions.
From Dr. Roseann
Implement Scheduled Activity Breaks: Incorporate short, structured periods of physical activity throughout the day to provide outlets for excess energy and improve focus. This approach can be particularly effective for managing impulsivity.
From Our Mental Health
Create a Structured Environment: Maintain consistent routines and predictability to help impulsive children feel more secure and in control. A structured environment reduces anxiety and promotes better behavior management.
From NeuroLaunch
Model Appropriate Behavior: Demonstrate self-control and thoughtful decision-making in your actions. Children learn a great deal from observing their parents, and modeling desired behaviors can be a powerful teaching tool.
Seek Professional Support if Necessary: If impulsive behaviors persist and significantly impact your child's daily life, consider consulting a child psychologist or counselor for personalized strategies and interventions.
By implementing these strategies, parents can play a crucial role in helping their sons develop better impulse control, reducing the risk of engaging in problematic behaviors such as excessive pornography use. Early intervention and consistent support are key to fostering self-regulation and promoting healthy decision-making in children.
(4) “A young bodybuilder’s tragic end highlights the dangers of performance-enhancing substances,” by Eric W. Dolan, PsyPost, December 26, 2024
I’m seeing a lot of high school and college guys with pretty severe cases on body dysmorphia and it’s often missed because they explain it in terms of “going to the gym.”
A recent case study published in Frontiers in Public Health reveals the harrowing story of a 21-year-old bodybuilder who died from multi-organ failure after prolonged use of 2,4-dinitrophenol (2,4-DNP) and anabolic steroids. His tragic death underscores the extreme risks posed by performance-enhancing substances and highlights the psychological condition of muscle dysmorphia, often called “reverse anorexia.”
Muscle dysmorphia drives individuals, particularly male bodybuilders, to obsess over achieving an idealized physique. This obsession often leads to extreme behaviors like excessive exercise, restrictive diets, and dangerous substance use, prioritizing appearance over health. In this case, the bodybuilder’s chronic use of 2,4-DNP—a highly toxic chemical marketed illicitly as a fat burner—led to lethal consequences.
2,4-DNP disrupts energy production at the cellular level, causing hyperthermia, rapid heartbeat, and organ failure. Despite its known dangers and a ban on its use for weight loss, the substance remains available online. In this instance, the bodybuilder ignored early warning signs, including labored breathing and excessive sweating, and continued using 2,4-DNP, driven by his desire to maintain a muscular physique.
The case study illustrates the challenges healthcare providers face in detecting and addressing these issues. The bodybuilder initially disclosed his substance use but later denied it, delaying diagnosis and effective treatment. His condition deteriorated over months, culminating in a fatal overdose. An autopsy confirmed lethal 2,4-DNP levels, chronic steroid abuse, and muscle dysmorphia as underlying factors.
How to Address This Growing Issue
The case underscores the urgent need for awareness and prevention:
Education on Dangers: Healthcare providers, fitness communities, and the public need better education about the risks of substances like 2,4-DNP and anabolic steroids.
Early Intervention: Recognizing muscle dysmorphia and its behavioral signs—excessive exercise, rigid diets, and substance use—can prevent escalation.
Psychological Support: Mental health professionals should address the underlying body image issues driving risky behaviors.
Tighter Regulation: Governments and platforms must crack down on the illicit sale of dangerous substances online.
This tragic case serves as a sobering reminder of the devastating consequences of prioritizing appearance over health. Education, early intervention, and psychological support are crucial in preventing similar outcomes.
Addendum
Recognizing Signs of Muscle Dysmorphia in Your Son
As a parent, it's crucial to be aware of the signs that may indicate your son is struggling with muscle dysmorphia, especially if he spends significant time at the gym aiming to avoid looking "skinny." Here are key indicators to watch for from Whole Body Approach:
Excessive Exercise Regimen: Engaging in prolonged weightlifting sessions, often lasting several hours daily, and prioritizing workouts over other important activities.
Rigid Dietary Habits: Adhering to strict diets focused on muscle gain, possibly involving the use of protein supplements or other muscle-building agents.
Body Dissatisfaction: Expressing persistent dissatisfaction with body size or muscularity, despite having a muscular build.
Social Withdrawal: Avoiding social situations, especially those that might involve revealing the body, such as swimming or changing rooms.
Use of Appearance-Enhancing Substances: Using supplements or anabolic steroids to enhance muscle mass, sometimes without regard for potential health risks.
Preoccupation with Appearance: Spending excessive time checking mirrors, comparing physique with others, or seeking reassurance about muscularity.
(5) Study highlights protective role of pre-conception wellbeing for new fathers, by Eric W. Dolan, PsyPost, December 26, 2024
A new study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders highlights how mental wellbeing before fatherhood can significantly reduce the risk of postnatal depression in new fathers. This research underscores the importance of proactive mental health care for men preparing for fatherhood, a topic that has historically received less attention than maternal mental health.
Key Findings
Pre-Conception Mental Health Matters: Men with higher levels of wellbeing before becoming fathers were less likely to experience depression after their child’s birth. Conversely, pre-conception depressive symptoms were a strong predictor of postnatal depression, with each one-point increase in symptoms raising the likelihood of moderate-to-severe depression by 19%.
The Protective Role of Wellbeing: Factors such as personal health, interpersonal relationships, and future security contribute to pre-conception wellbeing. Higher wellbeing reduced depressive symptoms and offered protection even for men with a history of depression or anxiety.
The Impact of Mental Health History: Men with prior mental health diagnoses were three times more likely to develop postnatal depression.
How Parents-to-Be Can Prepare
The findings suggest that focusing on mental health and wellbeing before fatherhood can foster resilience during this life-changing transition.
Tips for Men Preparing for Fatherhood:
Engage in Preventative Mental Health Care: Seek support from a mental health professional to address existing symptoms of depression or anxiety before conception.
Build a Strong Support System: Foster close relationships with family, friends, and community networks to create a safety net for emotional support.
Focus on Overall Wellbeing: Prioritize physical health, work-life balance, and personal accomplishments to cultivate a sense of purpose and security.
Educate Yourself: Learn about the mental health challenges of parenthood and develop strategies to manage stressors.
For Partners and Loved Ones:
Encourage Open Communication: Create a safe space for men to express their feelings and concerns about becoming fathers.
Promote Shared Responsibilities: Help distribute the emotional and practical responsibilities of parenthood to reduce stress.
Recognize Warning Signs: Look for signs of distress, such as withdrawal, irritability, or changes in mood, and encourage seeking help when needed.
Implications for Healthcare and Society
The study suggests a need for preventative mental health screenings and wellbeing programs for fathers-to-be. While the influence of pre-conception wellbeing diminishes as new stressors arise in later stages of fatherhood, early interventions can reduce the risk of depression and improve outcomes for fathers, families, and children.
This research highlights the transformative power of proactive care in navigating the challenges of fatherhood, emphasizing that supporting men’s mental health before parenthood is vital for their own wellbeing and the wellbeing of their families.
Here’s my question: what are churches doing to help men prepare to be good fathers?