In spite of the idea that hook up culture is running rampant. Apparently, men are actually having less sex than previous generations.

I've read a lot of articles that hypothesize why but they never seem to approach it from the angle that men are humans with human emotion and human desires.

These articles never touch on the fact most men want to feel wanted emotionally, mentally and physically. And they often don't, even within established romantic relationships. I've known a lot of men even in relationships that are never complimented and shown appreciation for the little they do.

They don't touch on the fact society continually frames men through a lens that says they aren't valuable if they aren't producing at high levels. And the fact that dating norms reinforce this.

They never talk about men being burnt out from being the primary initiators and never receiving that level of effort in return. Asking someone out is a huge emotional lift. Being expected to do that repeatedly and face rejection repeatedly will eventually wear on your self image, self esteem and self worth. Especially in a world where you do not get approached and are seen as a threat at all times.

We talk about patriarchy but we never talk about how this expectation that men eat that kind emotional damage is rooted in patriarchy and that both men and women perpetuate it.

They never talk about men being told they don't meet bare minimum standards while often not even receiving that much in return.

They don't mention that now considering all of this, in the online dating realm it is common place for people to ask for payment just to have a conversation. Nothing wrong with making money but when you think about it, you're again telling men your value is in what you produce.

There's more to consider but to me, it kind of makes sense why a lot of men are opting to not date or even try to have sex now.