Equimundo's State of the World's Men 2026 report found that more than 60% of men feel that no one cares if they're okay, and similar numbers report feeling truly unknown by those around them.
The findings are backed by Gallup polling data showing that 1 in 4 American men under 35 feel lonely every single day — the highest rate among 38 higher-income democratic countries studied. 46% of young American men experience daily worry (vs. 37% of other adults), and 57% report daily stress (vs. 48%).
The Equimundo report found that adherence to rigid 'Man Box' masculine norms is actually increasing among young men, and those who endorse these restrictive ideals face significantly higher rates of mental health challenges, including suicidal ideation. Economic anxiety cuts across income levels, with many men feeling the 'American dream' is out of reach.
Pew Research data confirms that while loneliness rates are roughly equal between genders (16% men vs. 15% women), men are significantly less likely to turn to friends, family, or mental health professionals for support. 15% of men report having no close friends at all.
Bright spots: more than 80% of fathers say being a dad is the most important job in the world, and fathers are twice as likely to report a sense of purpose compared to men without children.