August 17, 2026
Male loneliness epidemic and technology addiction confirms biblical truth: man is designed for community
‘Long before cell phones or social media were glimmers on the technological landscape, God knew we needed each other and instructed us to seek one another, in person,’ says Dr. Alex McFarland
GREENSBORO, N.C. — America’s loneliness epidemic among its young men is continuing to spread while simultaneously striking fear in the heart of experts worried for the nation’s future. A new survey revealed that more than half of young men aged 18-29 struggle with isolation, with 40% saying they have two or fewer close friends and only 31% claiming to be involved in their communities via church, athletics, or volunteer work. The rise in loneliness correlates directly with a surge in screen usage, either via video games, online gambling, or pornography. Despite these concerning statistics, even as 72% of young men reported feeling pessimistic about the state of the nation and their economic prospects, 84% claim to have “ambitious goals for [their] future.”
What does this mean about the future for America’s young men? These results only highlight the truth about humanity that is perfectly outlined in the Bible — mankind was designed for community, noted youth, culture and religion expert Dr. Alex McFarland.
“Social media, video games and the internet in general have done an amazing job at falsifying intimacy, but there is nothing that can replace the warmth, fellowship and love of real relationships,” said McFarland. “Images and videos on social media present stylized, enhanced, often absurd views of the lives of others, convincing these young men that they are missing out on something wonderful. They’re not. They’re missing out on their own lives and relationships with others. Long before cell phones or social media were glimmers on the technological landscape, God knew we needed each other and instructed us to seek one another, in person. Hebrews 10:24-25 says, ‘And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.’ It’s clear that meeting together with other believers is essential to the Christian life. We must encourage genuine relationships, interactions on a meaningful level, and real friendships — relationships that touch one another’s hearts, minds and souls.”
Alex McFarland currently co-hosts “Exploring the Word” on the American Family Radio Network, airing daily on nearly 200 radio stations across the U.S. He is also the host of the “Alex McFarland Show,” which airs weekly on NRB TV and YouTube. The “Alex McFarland Show” podcast is available here.
McFarland and theologian Bert Harper, veteran co-hosts of the nationally syndicated broadcast “Exploring the Word,” are proud to announce their newest book, “100 Bible Questions and Answers on Prophecy and the End Times.” Available now, the book concisely answers biblical questions about God, Scripture, Christian Living, and more. A follow-up to their previous work, “100 Bible Questions and Answers for Families,” this book promises to guide readers through some of the most fascinating and frequently misunderstood topics in Christianity: end-times prophecy and life in the everlasting new creation.
Alex McFarland has authored or co-authored more than 21 books, including the newly released 100 Bible Questions & Answers on Prophecy and the End Times,” “10 Issues that Divide Christians,” “The God You Thought You Knew,” “10 Answers for Skeptics,” “10 Answers for Atheists,” “The 21 Toughest Questions Your Kids Will Ask About Christianity,” published by Focus on the Family, and more.
McFarland is a frequent guest on Fox News and has been interviewed by other media outlets including Fox and Friends, Focus On The Family radio, NPR’s All Things Considered, The New York Times, The Washington Post, BBC, CBN, La Vie (France), and various news outlets including CBS, FOX, NBC, CSPAN, SRN, and the Associated Press (AP) wire service. He is a contributing writer in print and electronic media, including LA Times, Boston Herald, OK- Celebrity News Magazine, Christianity Today, Charisma, On Mission, Billy Graham’s Decision Magazine and more.
Learn more about Alex McFarland Ministries at its website, Facebook and Instagram pages, or X feed.
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To schedule interviews with Alex McFarland, contact Hamilton Strategies, media@HamiltonStrategies.com, Beth Bogucki, 610.584.1096 ext. 105, or Richard Jefferson, rjefferson@hamiltonstrategies.com.
