Contribution short abstract:

The pandemic has given rise to a striking decline in traditional dating activities among U.S. male teenagers. This study investigates the causes of this trend by comparing the current dating experiences of young men with those of past generations.

Contribution long abstract:

"The Lost Courtship" examines the reasons behind a significant downturn in dating initiatives among teenage boys in post-pandemic America. By conducting surveys and interviews with teenagers, their parents, and adults who had firsthand knowledge of dating customs before the pandemic, we seek to understand the impact of extended social isolation and the dominance of digital communication in shaping the contemporary dating paradigm. The research will compare the new patterns of courtship with the practices of previous generations, aiming to uncover the emotional and social consequences of this shift. The findings will provide insights into how adolescent social skills and future romantic relationships may evolve in the absence of traditional dating experiences.