A new wave of international research points to a striking loneliness crisis among young men in the United States, with a notable gender gap that stands out even among wealthy Western nations. Aggregated data from 2023 and 2024 indicates that about one in four American men aged 15 to 34 felt lonely “a lot” the previous day. This rate is higher than the national average and higher than the loneliness reported by young American women. Experts say the pattern is intensely pronounced in the U.S. and not widely mirrored in other developed countries.
Thailand is watching closely. As the country experiences rapid social change—urbanisation, evolving views of masculinity, and shifting work patterns—the U.S. experience provides a cautionary mirror. Thai policymakers, educators, and families are urged to examine similar risks at home and invest in supportive measures for young men.
Across high-income nations, the United States shows an unusual split: younger men report loneliness well above national averages, while many peers report much lower rates. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) median loneliness for young men sits around 15 percent, compared with about 25 percent in the United States. In Turkey, the figure is even higher, underscoring the particular vulnerability in the American context. The gap between lonely young men and other adults is among the widest in the OECD’s high-income democracies.
In contrast, countries like Iceland and Denmark report loneliness among young men around 15 percent, with overall rates generally lower than in the U.S. Other nations show different patterns, including scenarios where younger men report less loneliness than older groups, highlighting how unique the American situation appears.
Experts are exploring what drives this rise. Shifting social norms, digital isolation, weaker community ties, and economic uncertainty are cited as key factors. A mental health policy analyst notes that traditional pathways for forming friendships—such as religious gatherings, stable workplaces, and neighborhood groups—have diminished. Psychologists emphasize the decline of in-person connections amid growing digital interaction, alongside persistent expectations around masculinity that discourage seeking emotional help.
Loneliness has tangible consequences for wellbeing. Research links frequent loneliness with lower life satisfaction, less daily laughter, poorer sleep, and a reduced sense of personal freedom. It correlates with higher daily stress and worry: many young men report daily stress, outpacing other adults, and worry levels are well above broader averages. These accumulative pressures heighten the risk of anxiety, depression, and long-term health problems.
Local Thai research has already sounded alarms about youth mental health. A 2022 study from Mahidol University’s Center for Psychological Wellness found significant loneliness among university students, with men reporting slightly higher rates than women. Urban lifestyles, job market competitiveness, and pandemic-era social distancing are seen as contributing factors. The erosion of extended family support in cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai has reduced daily opportunities for social interaction and emotional support.
Cultural expectations shape how loneliness is perceived and addressed in both countries. In Thailand, kreng jai—a tendency to avoid burdening others—can make it harder for young men to seek help. In the United States, norms around stoicism and self-reliance often deter young men from expressing vulnerability, despite rising mental health concerns.
Global experts emphasize that loneliness is a public health challenge rather than a personal failing. Chronic loneliness is linked to cardiovascular risk, immune changes, cognitive decline, and higher mortality. Some countries have taken proactive steps, including appointing national offices focused on loneliness to coordinate policy responses.
The broad trend of loneliness reflects deeper societal shifts: the rise of remote work and online interactions that prioritize curated experiences over genuine connection; economic pressures that affect family formation; and changing social structures. A recent global report indicates Gen Z men are less likely than women to have a close confidant, further signaling the need for supportive networks and trusted outlets for emotional expression.
For Thai readers, the American experience offers practical lessons. Thailand is undergoing rapid transformation, and universities, workplaces, and policymakers should prioritize youth emotional wellbeing. Community programs that foster peer support, safe spaces for sharing feelings, and campaigns to challenge masculine stereotypes can help. Expanding access to mental health services—especially through digital channels that feel comfortable to younger generations—should become a national priority. Families, teachers, and religious leaders can contribute by normalising conversations about loneliness and offering nonjudgmental support.
Thai cultural traditions that emphasise interdependence can be leveraged to strengthen community ties. Policy discussions should consider revitalizing neighborhood networks and village-like social structures even in urban settings, aligning with Buddhist values of compassion and connectedness.
Looking ahead, societies worldwide face choices about how to counter loneliness. Digital tools should be redirected to nurture authentic connection, and role models should demonstrate that vulnerability is compatible with strength. Young men need inclusive peer networks and visible supports, both in-person and online. Without action, loneliness risks undermining health, productivity, and social cohesion.
For Thai families and institutions, the call to action is clear: regularly check in with the young men in your circles, encourage open discussions about emotional needs, and support workplace and school programs that address loneliness head-on. Public health authorities should prioritise youth mental health funding and invest in locally informed research to identify Thai-specific risk factors. The lessons from the United States highlight an urgent opportunity for Thailand to safeguard youth wellbeing before loneliness becomes a broader public health challenge.
Notes on context and attribution are integrated throughout, drawing on research from Gallup and other major institutions while translating insights for Thai audiences and keeping appropriate professional sourcing within the body of the article.