California’s millennial and Gen Z men are ghosting society, and not in the cute dating app way. A staggering half-million young adults between 16 and 24 are completely disconnected from education and employment, creating a crisis that’s deeper than just job market challenges.

The Silent Epidemic

Governor Gavin Newsom is sounding the alarm on what he calls a “crisis” affecting young men. We’re talking serious mental health challenges, loneliness that’s off the charts, and a generation feeling increasingly marginalized. Nearly 1 in 4 men under 30 report having zero close friends - a shocking five-fold increase since 1990.

Behind the Numbers

This isn’t just about jobs. Systemic barriers like automation, lost manufacturing roles, mental health struggles, and rising incarceration rates are pushing young men to the sidelines. Black and Native American men are disproportionately impacted, facing even higher disconnection rates.

A Path Forward

The state isn’t sitting idle. With new mental health initiatives, mentorship programs, and increased awareness, California is trying to throw these young men a lifeline. But the solution isn’t simple - it requires addressing deep-rooted social, economic, and psychological challenges that have left an entire generation feeling lost and unsupported.