The Loom

The below article was compiled by query of Grok.

Based on recent trends and analyses, there appears to be a notable decrease in the number of men, especially younger men, actively seeking romantic relationships. Here are some key points:

Young Men’s Singleness: A significant increase in the percentage of single men under 30 has been observed, with some studies indicating that around 63% of men in this age group are single, which is nearly double the rate of single women in the same age bracket. This trend suggests a shift away from traditional relationship pursuits among this demographic.

Disinterest in Dating and Marriage: Various surveys and reports highlight that a growing number of men are not interested in pursuing committed relationships or even casual dating. For instance, a Pew Research Center study from 2020 showed that half of all single people, including men, are not looking for a committed romantic relationship or even a casual date.

Cultural and Social Factors: There’s discussion around cultural changes, including the impact of technology like dating apps and pornography, which might be altering the way young men approach relationships. Some argue that these tools provide enough social interaction or satisfaction without the need for traditional relationships. Additionally, there’s commentary on how societal expectations around masculinity and emotional expression might contribute to this trend.

Economic and Lifestyle Priorities: The focus on career, self-improvement, and personal freedom could also be reasons why fewer men are seeking relationships. This shift might reflect broader societal changes where individual success and personal development are prioritized over traditional life milestones like marriage.

Online Sentiment: Posts on platforms like X also reflect a sentiment that fewer men are interested in relationships, with some attributing this to perceived cultural “rot” or changing expectations around gender roles. However, these insights should be taken as part of the broader conversation rather than definitive evidence.

1980: According to posts found on X, the lifetime single rate for men was notably low at 2.6%.
1990 to 2022: The trend shows a significant increase in the number of single men over the years:
In 1990, only 5.6% of men were projected to remain single lifelong.
By 2000, this figure increased to 12.6%.
By 2005, it was at 16.0%.
In 2010, it rose to 20.1%.
By 2015, the rate was 23.7%.
By 2020, the lifetime single rate for men was 26.7%.
2022: According to the Statista data, in 2022, there were 67.85 million married men in the United States, which can be contrasted with the single population, although exact numbers for single men aren’t specified.

More Recent Trends:
A Pew Research Center report from 2020 mentions that 38% of adults aged 25 to 54 were unpartnered in 2019, with men being more likely than women to be unpartnered, a shift from 30 years prior. This suggests an upward trend in male singleness.

Data from 2023 indicates that 57% of single adults in the U.S. are not looking for a relationship or dates, which might influence the overall single rate statistics.

The 2025 dating statistics from DoULike Blog report that 63% of men under 30 are single, highlighting a gender difference in young adults’ relationship status.

From these points, we can infer a general trend where the percentage of single men has been increasing from the 1980s to the present. The data suggests a societal shift where marriage has become less of a default life choice, especially among younger men.

Data courtesy of Grok and its affiliated sources, including those listed above.

What works and what dosen’t. As of the moment with TikTok as of the posting of this article. First thing I tried was the app on an Andriod phone via VPN. Nope it bonks out. Some research into the ban of TikTok by India a few years back leads to the conclusion they check SIM country of origin. So the next thing I did was install an Andriod emulator on a PC and find the app .APK file, install it and try to register a a new account once again via VPN.

This results in a down for maintenance error. The APK was US Region which could be a factor. However Simply using a VPN both coming out of France and Canada in conjunction with a computer web browser punches right through.

So in short it is possible to get through. The method is VPN on a device without a Regional SIM card to crosscheck. A tablet or computer running out of region APK with a VPN should theoretically resolve all the issues. This will definitely be an evolving situation and ill drop by and edit here or create a new article when the dust settles and we know more.

UPDATE! The following .APK file allows registration of new user names by E-mail address. !! WARNING !! I would not run this for anything more than experimentation on a compartmentalized machine. I cannot attest to the integrity of the App or its source. https://apkpure.com/tiktok-musically-2024/com.zhiliaoapp.musically/download/

UPDATE: So it appears the ban has been lifted. I will leave this article up as it may be a subject to revisit depending on where the situation leads.

Bio-social fundamentals of human relationship motivation and structure
This is a complex issue with many subjective tangents so lets break it down into three components to discuss in this session. Biology, Psychology and Culture.

The Biology is ingrained in our DNA. This is a prime driver. We cant just will it away. It supersedes all regional boundaries and is foundational to the cultural and even psychological aspects. The primal drive to reproduce coupled with testosterone is a powerhouse of male motivation.

The Psychology of companionship is rooted in the human creature. Even introverts seek company at times its natural and healthy in its ideal sense. Then comes Culture that great sociocentric demon dictates based on popular opinion and ever increasingly guided outlines produced by social and marketing engineers, just what we are supposed to engage in, like, promote, frown upon, be ashamed of etc, etc. The venerable herd mentality that few challenge and even fewer try to understand the mechanics of.

You see this third factor in varying relationship styles around the globe and within subgroups, religions etc. Its the least important variable because it is ultimately superficial. With exception to how wrapped up in pleasing the norm and its constituents a person in question is. To a free thinker, one unconcerned with peer acceptance it could mean essentially nothing.

It is the combination of these elements which motivate us to seek connection and interaction. This article is a precursor to an expanding topic so stay tuned for further developments.

It seems GMRS has surged in the last decade. The two biggest factors I can drum up that are fueling this has been the arrival of cheap radio equipment and the surgence of prepper culture. Its become in a way the new CB band for a lot of people. GMRS offers some obvious advantages to CB. The higher frequency band equals shorter antennas, more compact radios. The power limit is 10 times greater and coupled with repeaters wide coverage is possible. I am a GMRS operator WQSR543. Have friends and continue to meet people on this interesting band. Being that it only requires an application submission and $35 to get onboard allows people to more less instantly get on the air and begin the experience.

Unlike Ham radio which requires passing of a knowledge test. The operating rules and principals are similar to Ham and prepare a user more or less in the proper customs of station identification and repeater operation. It lets people get their feet wet as the old saying goes. I would phasam to say If a person enjoys GMRS they should seriously consider pursuing a ham license and entering a similar world with much greater capabilities. Ham radio despite the necessity of study to obtain a license should not present an intimidation barrier.

The entry level Technician license only consist of 35 questions all multiple choice. This license gets you authorization on all VHF, UHF and some segments of HF bands. Power limits increase significantly and the ability to experiment with a limitless array of equipment opens up. You will find the Ham community at large very welcoming and willing to assist. Another interesting development in all this is a surge in Ham operators getting GMRS licenses. This is in fact the order I took having a Ham license since 1998 at the age of 16 and getting into GMRS in 2013. At the end of the day all radio operators share a common theme. Whichever way you choose to navigate this field we look forward to hearing you on the air. Below are links to information on getting your ham and GMRS licenses.

ARRL Getting your Technician class Ham license: https://arrl.org/get … -technician-license/

Instructions and link for GMRS Application: https://radiothought … to-get-gmrs-license/

In the current world with cellphones, smart watches and everything online. Its easy to get complacent. So much depends on a single thread. The internet, The unequivocable backbone. Cell sites are linked by it. text, email and practically all modern entertainment, communications and media rely on it. Financial transfers the store inventory and amazon turn upon it. Ham radio is more than it appears on the surface to many and the casual observer. Most people don’t realize the contributions that ham operators and experimenters have brought in the fields of technology. Many modern developments started in humble home workshops. Most recently hurricane Helene devastated communication infrastructure in the NC mountains.

Many linked public service radio systems were down for some time. MT. Mitchell repeater withstood the storm and provided many a crucial update and communication. I vividly remember hearing a search coordination in Swannanoa taking place in the first days. With the crew being reminded to leave the dead and push forward to find the living. As great as modern communications are they are weak. We depend on them but the truth is they are liken to a drunk giant ready to fall. Beyond this sphere ham radio still offers a lot of exciting projects for the inquisitive mind. Everything from morse code communications across the globe. Tracking and relaying messages through satellites. Even the ISS has a ham radio station on board and occasionally contacts hams on earth often as part of demonstrations to students.

Its a fun and rewarding hobby and full of friendly people. If your interested in learning more in Central NC check out The Rowan Amateur Radio Society or find me on the radio.
Steven Menius KF4VMU

Rowan Amateur Radio Society http://rowanars.org//

ARRL http://arrl.org/