The Prof G Pod with Scott Galloway What’s Actually Breaking America — with David Brooks
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Dec 18, 2025 
David Brooks, a New York Times op-ed columnist and bestselling author, joins to dissect the forces reshaping American life. They delve into the decline of trust in institutions and how it links to rising extremism and social isolation. Brooks highlights the economic strains on young men and the chaos surrounding modern dating. He advocates for deeper commitments to love and community as pathways to happiness. Additionally, they discuss how social media exacerbates distrust and the importance of fostering social connections through initiatives like national service.
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2013 Marked A Social Turning Point
- Since about 2013 social isolation, conspiracy theories, and anti-Semitism rose together, signaling a darker social era.
- David Brooks links mobile social media and cultural shifts to increased distrust and violent incidents.
Precarity From Fewer Clear Paths
- Young people often feel precarity from narrowed career and courtship pathways despite decent aggregate economic data.
- Brooks argues uncertainty and fewer clear social ladders cause widespread anxiety.
Touch As A Public-Health Issue
- Physical touch and sustained affection are biologically important and declining for many, especially single men.
- Brooks cites research showing touch calms mammals and ties this to broader social malaise.