Screens Don't Teach us to be Men:

Male Rites of Passage in the Age of AI

    ScreenS don’t teach us to be men

    For thousands of years, male initiation served one essential function: to help a boy die to his childish self and be reborn as a man capable of carrying responsibility, power, and care.

    It was never about toughness or ritual for its own sake — it was about orientation.

    Initiation aligned a man with nature, spirit, and his community- it did not align a man with dopamine addiction and a life of no effort.

    Without real alignment, a man’s power becomes disoriented — and disconnected power is precisely what drives much of our cultural sickness.

    AI, by design, removes friction and consequence — the very things that initiate us.

    When we gain dopamine, power, and validation from a screen without struggle or community, we lose the only chance we have to grow up fully.

    A Free Class with Dan Doty

    On Monday, February 2nd, - 11: AM PST / 2:00 PM EST

    This class is for:

    • Parents of boys who want to know how to include Rites of Passage and Initiation into their lives

    • Anyone with a male in their life that is wrestling with how to balance technology and real human values

    • Men who feel called to nature, especially as a counter to our increasingly digitized lives.

    • Those who are intrigued and excited by AI, but are worried that we might lose something important in this transition

    • Anyone who feels the internal importance of this conversation, even if you don't know exactly why

    Join Dan Doty for this free call, where together you will dive into:

    • “What is truly human, and are we willing to protect it?”

    • What type of men will our boys grow into?

    • What does a real initiation look like today?

    • Can you simulate the soul of a man?

    Dan Doty is a guide, initiator, and relentless advocate for men who want to live with depth, courage, and presence. He’s worked with thousands of men—from backcountry rites of passage to boardroom coaching—with a blend of reverence, directness, and wild heart.

    He spent nearly 1000 days guiding troubled young men through the wilderness. He directed and produced 50 episodes of the hit adventure tv show MeatEater. He was the creative force and founder behind EVRYMAN, which kicked off a global wave of the men’s movement. He has been a cherished leadership coach to many, and overall has touched positively influenced countless leaders, fathers, and men from all walks of life.

    He lives in Colorado with his wife and three kids.

    Your teacher: dan dotY

    Message from Dan:

    I use AI everyday, and I am watching as it changes who I am and how I interact with others and the world. It is enticing, seductive, and incredibly helpful.

    AND I feel crystal clear that in the face of this, we need to make a point to hold on to our primal connections. We need to stay in touch with the natural world, and we need to remember our own natural, organic, animal selves. 

    Initiation and Rites of Passage are an ancient human technology. I believe there is still immense value in holding these practices close.

    This call will include teaching and commentary, and also a fair amount of dialogue and Q&A.

    Come and share your thoughts!