Social media erupted over the weekend over a question: Is depression in young men caused by a lack of money or purpose?
Over several decades, men have started working less, and that’s a problem because men are wired to work.
97% of depression in young men nowadays is caused by lack of money
— Tekee (@Tekeee) January 16, 2026
No.
— Matt Van Swol (@mattvanswol) January 17, 2026
97% of depression in young men today is caused by lack of purpose.
I'm going to write an X article on this topic to compete for the $1,000,000.
If I win, I'll give 100% of it away to rebuild homes for Hurricane Helene victims.
I'll drop the article 1 week from today. https://t.co/lTX6Zdpoid
The "money doesn't buy happiness" narrative is so silly because money does change your energy. There's ease in knowing money is present ..no stressing over whether you can go see BTS concert or not..
— kiwi.𐚁̸ (@brattaex) January 17, 2026
No.
— Earned My Freedom 🇺🇸 (@_LoveTheUSA) January 17, 2026
97% of depression in young men today is largely driven by isolation — the loss of real friendships, meaningful relationships, and community in favor of individualism.
I have never heard this one: Depression is largely caused by lack of money. I think that's balderdash.
— Jim Stinson (@jimstinson) January 17, 2026
I was rarely as happy as in my teens and 20s, with no more than a $20 bill in my wallet.
Could NOT be further from the truth.
— Tyler Todt (@tyromper) January 17, 2026
It's caused by:
1) Lack of purpose & a mission. Men need to BUILD THINGS & CREATE to feel alive. Not watch Netflix, play video games, & sit at jobs they hate all day watching the clock tick their life away.
2) Men need to be GROWING…
Hardly working: Fewer than 60% of men 16–24 are employed, down from 70%.
— Stephen Moore (@StephenMoore) November 21, 2025
Early work builds skills, discipline, and lifetime earnings.
College loans should be replaced with a student work program. pic.twitter.com/VFXgE2Jgm2
Men are wired to do hard things that are often dangerous, like engineers who build planes and then fly them or mechanics who fix brake lines and then drive the vehicle. Electricians play with electricity and plumbers fix disgusting problems - all high-pressure situations and often dirty situations.
Some of the most dangerous and dirty professions are filled by men: logging, fishing and hunting, roofers, trashmen, pilots, construction, truck drivers, and steel workers, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Men must create, build, and consume themselves with projects and ideas to provide for their families.
Men derive value from work. Work defines a man, whether he’s a welder, mechanic, engineer, writer, or accountant.
We all have different strengths. Some are creatives, others are mechanics, mathematicians, or plumbers. Find what you're wired to do, and then go make money.
Not all work is fulfilling and much is back-breaking, especially if you're not built for it. I've found myself trying to fix a leaking toilet and a blown car transmission - jobs for which I'm not qualified.
I’d count you lucky if you enjoy 60 percent of your job. Much entry-level work is grueling, like working in fast food, landscaping, or manual labor.
If you’re broke, then go to work and find your purpose.