I can only second this. Please @francopoli

I agree. The whole thing was more like a "mutual bemoaning" than an actual support group.

And Reason, of all the places, writes an article on it.

I think it's a good thing that the topic gets some attention. Being a NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) wrecks with peoples mental health, but especially with young mens. An ex-Boyfriend of mine was somewhat active in an online community that explicitly caters to NEETs, and their lack of self-esteem and coping skills is just frightening.

They seemed to believe that there was something inherently wrong with them, that they were part of a globally oppressed geek race that "normies" just don't get, and that getting a girlfriend is the ultimate achievement that absolves you from your personal shortcomings.

I think the whole issue is as much about mental health as it is about the economy. Video games can have strong (both positive and negative!) effects on players mental health, so this is a thing worth looking into.

Frankly, I had never heard the term "ironist" before.