Mass casualty gun shootings in the United States are a multifaceted issue, but one stark and disturbing pattern is that the perpetrators often fit the same demographic: young adult and male.
According to the Gun Violence Archive, there were 261 mass shootings in the United States as of June of this year, with a majority of the perpetrators being young men.
As a mental health counselor for over 18 years who has specialized in working with young adults – including experiencing the challenges of my own three young adult sons, the issues that these young men specifically face in our society are something I am all too familiar with. The critical question to ask first is why this seems to be happening with the same demographic, and most importantly, what we can do collectively to reduce these occurrences. I propose five key reasons:
1. The Crisis of Purpose and Meaning
A recurring theme among the men who commit these acts of mass violence is a profound sense of purposelessness and lack of meaning in their lives. This existential void often stems from societal pressures, personal failures, or a perceived lack of future prospects. Without a clear sense of purpose or direction, individuals in this situation may turn to violence as a misguided attempt to assert control or make a statement in a world that has otherwise given up on them. Notoriety, they may hope, can fill their void of purpose.
2. The Role of Loneliness and Social Isolation
Loneliness and social isolation are significant factors contributing to this crisis. In our increasingly fragmented society, many young men struggle to form meaningful connections. They often experience being bullied for much of their formative years. The decline of community institutions and the rise of individualism have left many feeling disconnected and unsupported. This isolation can breed resentment and a desire for recognition, even if it comes through infamy.
3. The Impact of Mental Health Issues
Young men grappling with anxiety, depression, or other mood disorders may find it difficult to seek help due to societal stigmas or a lack of accessible mental health resources. Untreated, these conditions can lead to a build-up of frustration and anger, which may eventually manifest in violent behavior.
In addition, the American Psychological Association has highlighted that excessive use of social media is linked to increased feelings of isolation and depression among young adults, with a direct correlation to the rise in loneliness and mental health issues.
4. The lack of Connection, Community, and Belonging
A lack of connection, community, and belonging is a common thread in the lives of those who commit mass violence. Traditional support systems, such as family, friends, and local communities, play a crucial role in fostering a sense of belonging and purpose. The erosion of these networks leaves many young men adrift, seeking belonging in harmful places, most commonly the dark recesses of the internet.
5. The Communication Gap
Young men, particularly in the internet age, fail to gain the skills necessary to communicate their feelings and emotions effectively. We fall short collectively in teaching them how to express true emotions of loneliness or sadness and offer a forum for them to process those emotions. This communication gap can lead to bottled-up emotions, which may eventually explode in harmful ways.
One Solution – Our Collective Responsibility to Reach Out
Each one of us has a role to play in addressing this issue. Whether you are a parent, friend, classmate, coach, teacher, or social media acquaintance of a young man displaying any concerning behavior, your involvement can make a significant difference. Don’t assume someone else is taking action. Sometimes, one genuine human connection filled with caring and concern can spark hope and change the course of someone’s life.
Reaching out to a young man in distress might seem daunting, but even small actions can make a significant impact. Simple gestures like asking how they are doing, inviting them to join in activities, or just spending time together can help. It doesn’t always require a deep conversation, sometimes just showing you care is enough to make a difference. If reaching out directly is not an option, you can also bring them to the attention of someone who can help, such as a school counselor, mental health professional, or police department social worker. Your intervention can be the lifeline that makes all the difference.