A Theory of Loneliness

In this thought-provoking episode of the M3 Bearcast, host Malcolm Traver explores the epidemic of loneliness in our digitally connected age and its far-reaching consequences on relationships and community.Episode Highlights:Malcolm opens up about his personal experience with loneliness while caring for his mother, examining why admitting to loneliness feels difficult even when surrounded by loose online connections. Drawing from a viral TikTok video and Washington Post research, he discusses how Americans are spending dramatically more time alone since 2013—jumping from 2 hours to 9 hours per week—even before the pandemic accelerated this trend.The conversation shifts to parasocial relationships and why "separating the art from the artist" is nearly impossible. Malcolm argues that we're emotional creatures first, not thinking beings with emotions, and explores how our feelings about media and celebrities create bonds that intellectual knowledge can't easily break.Finally, Malcolm challenges the romanticized view of monogamy in previous generations, revealing how past relationships often involved secret infidelity, emotional unavailability, and generational trauma—particularly within Black communities. He advocates for honest conversations about relationship structures, whether monogamous or polyamorous, and discusses what strong community support might look like beyond traditional couple-based models.Join the conversation! The M3 Live broadcast airs every Wednesday at 7:30 PM Eastern on YouTube.Stay Connected with Male Media Mind:YouTube: youtube.com/malemedia (Subscribe and hit the bell for live stream notifications!)Facebook: Follow Male Media MindX (Twitter): @MaleMediaMindBluesky: Find us on BlueskyThreads: Connect on ThreadsSupport the show: Become a patron at Patreon.com/MaleMediaMindYour support helps us continue these important conversations about mental health, relationships, and culture. Join us next week for another episode! @tellthebees on Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTR44MJRr/ @chrystheauthor on Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTR44R96e/. @raya.of.eve on Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTR4XvFN8/ Subscribe to Male Media Mind on social media. Make sure to turn on notifications so you can participate in our live streams.INSTAGRAM http://instagram.com/malemediamindYOUTUBE http://www.youtube.com/user/MaleMediaMindFACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/MaleMediaMindTWITTER https://twitter.com/MaleMediaMind