The Real Enemy for "Men’s Coaches": The Internet
In Japan, there has been a rising trend of "Strong Man Recovery" YouTubers who focus on helping men regain their strength and masculinity in the face of modern societal pressures. These influencers often talk about how the modern man has become weaker, citing factors like the environment, changing social dynamics, and the impact of technology. While their message resonates with many, I believe they may be missing the most crucial enemy in this battle: the Internet itself.
The Popular "Strong Man" YouTubers and Their Key Message
A large segment of these men’s coaches emphasize that modern men have lost their way due to environmental factors—overprotective parents, excessive comfort, and the erosion of traditional roles. One of their key areas of focus is the dangers of internet pornography. They argue that internet porn has become a major part of why young men, in particular, are struggling with addiction, low motivation, and a distorted sense of masculinity.
Indeed, the argument they present is compelling. With the rise of the internet, pornography is now more accessible than ever before. Men of all ages can access an overwhelming amount of explicit material with just a few clicks. But as much as the "strong man" YouTubers focus on the negative effects of this, I believe the real enemy isn’t just the environment, but the technological system that has made pornography so pervasive.
The Internet: The True Culprit
The introduction of the internet and the subsequent rise of easy access to pornography has had a profound effect on society. While men’s coaches point to "environmental" factors, I think we must go deeper to address the root cause: the internet itself.
Here’s why:
- The Ease of AccessThe internet has made it incredibly easy for anyone, including young men, to access pornography. Not only can it be accessed discreetly, but it is available 24/7, anytime and anywhere. What used to require physical effort and was somewhat taboo is now just a click away.
- Anonymity and Digital StorageUnlike in the past, where consuming adult content came with risks of being caught or shamed, the anonymity of the internet has removed much of the social stigma. Men can store images, videos, and even full VR experiences without fear of judgment or exposure. This makes the habit easier to form and harder to break, contributing to the increasing normalization of digital pornography.
- Technological Advancements Make it WorseAs technology has evolved, so too has the potency of digital pornography. The quality of images and videos has improved dramatically, and with the advent of VR (virtual reality), the experience has become more immersive and realistic than ever before. These advances make it even harder for individuals to resist the pull of pornography.
The Need to Block Pornography through Technology
The battle against digital pornography is not going to be easy, and it will not be won by simply addressing environmental factors. The true challenge lies in finding ways to block or severely limit access to digital pornography. This task is complicated by the very nature of the internet, where nearly everything is accessible at the tip of our fingers.
However, I believe this challenge is not insurmountable. Just as society has managed to lower smoking rates through a combination of awareness, regulation, and public health initiatives, we can reduce the prevalence and consumption of digital pornography over time.
The Future: A World Without Digital Pornography?
While it may seem like a distant hope, I believe that 20 years from now, we could see a significant decline in the consumption of digital pornography. Technological solutions will likely evolve to create safe spaces online, and society will continue to push for greater accountability and responsibility from tech companies.
Additionally, as more men begin to recognize the harmful effects of pornography on their lives—particularly in terms of its impact on relationships, mental health, and self-esteem—I anticipate a cultural shift toward greater awareness and control.
Conclusion: The True Enemy is Technology, Not Just Environment
In the end, the most critical enemy for the new generation of "strong man" YouTubers to address is not just the environment, but the technology that makes digital pornography so easily accessible and damaging. While environmental factors play a role, they are secondary to the unprecedented power and reach of the internet. The battle will not be easy, but with concerted effort, it is possible to see a decline in the grip that internet pornography has on society. Just as we’ve seen with smoking, progress can be slow, but it is certainly achievable.
If we can work together to address the digital age’s most insidious influence, we may eventually see a healthier, more resilient generation of men who are free from the chains of internet porn.
