The video discusses the potential hormonal and societal factors contributing to a perceived decline in sexual activity known as the „sex recession.“ One theory suggests that the use of hormonal birth control by women may alter their sexuality, while another proposes that men’s testosterone levels are influenced by the fertility of women around them. The conversation also touches on the idea of hormonal birth control leading women to choose men based on their ability to provide rather than protect, potentially impacting relationship dynamics. The video further explores the impact of low testosterone levels on men and the potential consequences for society.
Key Insights:
- The „sex recession“ may be partially hormonal, attributed to women being on hormonal birth control which can change their sexuality.
- Men’s testosterone levels are mediated by the fertility of women in their local environment. If surrounded by other men or non-fertile women, their testosterone levels drop.
- Hormonal birth control causes women to select for men who are more providers rather than protectors, resulting in a change in mate preference.
- There is a decline in men’s testosterone levels, about 1% per year since 1950, and researchers aren’t sure why.
- Hormonal birth control has significant impacts on relationships and physiology for both men and women.
- There is a tradeoff between high and low testosterone levels, as high levels are associated with crime and violence.
- The decline in testosterone levels could lead to recruitment problems in the military.
- The Chinese government banned K-pop because they associated it with feminization and wanted to uphold masculinity and fight against soy culture.
- In China, there is a strong association between masculinity and communism, with anti-communists opposing feminization.
- This episode is sponsored by Cozy Earth, offering premium bedding and loungewear made from sustainable bamboo.
Transcript:
It is possible that the so-called „sex recession“ is partly hormonal. It might be caused by women being on hormonal birth control, which can change their sexuality. It could also be caused by men having low testosterone levels. Let me share my theory on this. I learned this while talking to Dr. Sarah Hill, who wrote „This Is Your Brain on Birth Control.“ She taught me that male testosterone levels are influenced by the fertility of women in their local environment. If a young man is surrounded by other men, grandmothers, or children, his testosterone levels drop. On the other hand, women who are on hormonal birth control can alter their fertility and attract men who are most attracted to women currently at their fertile stage of the menstrual cycle. Studies have shown that men are more attracted to women who are during their most fertile period. Additionally, men’s testosterone levels have been declining by about 1% per year since 1950, and researchers are unsure of the exact reasons for this decrease. Hormonal birth control may have a significant impact on this decline. However, there is a tradeoff because having low testosterone levels in men can affect fertility and the overall attraction and functioning of relationships. On the other hand, high testosterone levels are associated with crime and violence. So, choosing between a society with low testosterone levels and fewer problems or a society with high testosterone levels but potential issues becomes a challenging choice. It is comparable to a form of population sterilization. For instance, military recruitment is facing significant challenges, partly due to a lack of interest from men in participating in warfare. It may also be associated with a lack of patriotism and faith in the nation. However, in China, there is a strong association between communism and masculinity. They perceive the K-pop culture as feminizing their male role models and prefer to promote a more high-testosterone culture. This association arises from the pre-communist period where „soy boys“ were associated with intellectualism and indoor activities. Anti-communist sentiment plays a role in the rejection of feminization through K-pop.
