Exploring the effects of technology on the lives of boys and men in California

August 14, 2026 - 01:30

SACRAMENTO - The California Assembly's new Select Committee on Developing Pathways to Purpose for Young Men held its first hearing this week, with experts and advocates zeroing in on the outsized role that smartphones, social media, and online gaming now play in the daily lives of boys and young men across the state.

David Sasaki, a researcher and advocate, delivered opening remarks that framed the discussion around a growing concern: that digital environments are not just passive backdrops but active forces reshaping identity, motivation, and social connection. He pointed to data showing that teenage boys in California spend significantly more hours per week on screens than their peers did a decade ago, with much of that time absorbed by algorithm-driven platforms designed for endless engagement rather than genuine growth.

Sasaki argued that the consequences are visible in declining school performance, rising rates of loneliness, and a noticeable drop in participation in extracurricular activities like sports, clubs, and part-time work. He stressed that the issue is not simply about limiting screen time but about understanding what these platforms replace. For many young men, he said, the virtual world offers a sense of competence and belonging that real-world institutions have failed to provide, especially in communities where after-school programs have been cut or where public spaces feel unwelcoming.

The committee, formed earlier this year, aims to look beyond simple bans or parental controls. Members heard testimony on how tech companies design features that exploit psychological vulnerabilities, particularly during adolescence when the brain is still developing impulse control and long-term planning. Sasaki called for a public health approach, similar to how the state has tackled tobacco and air quality, that would include better transparency from tech firms, funding for offline mentorship programs, and a broader cultural conversation about what a meaningful life looks like in the digital age.

Several committee members expressed concern that the conversation could easily veer into moral panic, but Sasaki pushed back, noting that the goal is not to demonize technology but to ensure that young men have real choices. He closed by urging lawmakers to consider pilot programs that pair tech literacy education with guaranteed access to paid internships, outdoor leadership experiences, and community service projects, arguing that purpose is built through action, not through passive consumption.

The committee is expected to hold additional hearings in the coming months, with a focus on rural communities and on the specific challenges faced by young men of color. No legislation has been introduced yet, but members signaled that they are open to both regulatory measures and new state investments.