Young men raised on video games show a striking lack of work ethic, with 1 in 3 men neither working nor seeking employment. The trend reflects a generation conditioned to screen‑based pleasure over effort.

The column cites Leonard Sax’s Boys Adrift to explain how constant exposure to screens rewires motivation centers in boys’ brains, turning play into passive entertainment rather than skill building.

Parents and schools have favored tablets and in‑store gadgets over outdoor play or chores, fostering a culture of sloth and docility. This shift reduces the pool of job‑ready talent, squeezing companies that rely on disciplined, motivated workers.

Companies across retail, tech, and manufacturing face rising training costs and stagnant productivity as they battle a workforce that prioritizes instant gratification over long‑term gain.