UVA Hosts Conference on 'Decline of Men'

Student panel and keynote speakers address challenges facing young men in modern society.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 12:50am

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a video game controller repeated in a tight grid pattern, conceptually representing the prevalence of digital habits and addictions among young men today.A vibrant pop art interpretation of the digital distractions and 'cheap substitutes' that experts say are contributing to the 'decline of men' in modern society.University of Virginia Today

The University of Virginia recently hosted the National Marriage Project's spring conference, bringing together students and scholars to discuss the challenges facing young men. The event featured a student panel and a keynote discussion with experts examining issues like the impact of digital distractions, the decline of traditional masculinity models, and the role of education and mentorship in shaping the lives of young men.

Why it matters

The conference highlighted growing concerns about the social, academic, and emotional struggles many young men face today, as traditional paths to adulthood and fulfillment have become less clear. Experts argued these trends have far-reaching implications for individuals, families, and communities.

The details

The student panel featured UVA undergraduates Brayson Holmes, Conwell Morris, and Nic Sanker, who discussed how modern habits like pornography, video games, and sports betting can provide 'cheap substitutes' for deeper needs. They emphasized the value of sustained challenge and mentorship from fathers, coaches, and other authority figures in cultivating healthy masculinity. The evening keynote expanded on these themes, with speakers like Richard Reeves and Alvaro de Vicente arguing that schools have often failed to provide boys with compelling visions of manhood, leading many to retreat into digital distractions.

  • The conference was held on Tuesday, March 17th.
  • The student panel took place in the afternoon, followed by the evening keynote discussion.

The players

Brayson Holmes

A second-year UVA student majoring in politics and philosophy, with involvement in Mock Trial.

Conwell Morris

The President of UVA-affiliated media organization WUVA and a cartoonist for The Cavalier Daily, a third-year studying Politics, Philosophy, and Law.

Nic Sanker

A recent Princeton University graduate who majored in economics and played football, currently working at a private equity firm in Charlottesville.

Richard Reeves

A senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and author of 'Of Boys and Men', who discussed the erosion of traditional masculinity models.

Alvaro de Vicente

The principal of The Heights School, a private boys' school in Maryland, who argued that the education system has 'betrayed boys and young men'.

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What they’re saying

“We've been very good at telling boys and young men what not to do, but not what to do.”

— Richard Reeves, Senior Fellow, Brookings Institution

“If we don't move the needle on intact families a little more, I think we're going to be pushing a rock uphill.”

— Aaron Renn, Writer and Senior Fellow, American Reformer

What’s next

The conference organizers plan to publish a report summarizing the key insights and recommendations from the event.

The takeaway

This conference highlighted the complex, multifaceted challenges facing young men in modern society, from the impact of digital distractions to the need for stronger mentorship and clearer visions of masculinity. Addressing these issues will require a collaborative effort from families, schools, and communities.