Too many young people are giving up, please don't

I am 36M married. And many of my friends are giving up on dating. I feel that the dating culture is causing too many good men and women to give up. I am doing my best to be the best cheerleader for my friends but they seam to revert to this "what's the point" mentality that is killing any hope. My other friend 27 who has never been on a single date, never stops with never ending excuses and self doubt. He has the lowest self esteem of anyone I met. I have reminded him he is good person and is worthy of love and respect. I have told him he just needs to take small steps to achieve success in dating. No one is going to be natural be successful at the first try. Like any skill these have to be experienced and grown over time. It hurts to see some many of my friends not try to connect with others. If you want a true win in life you have to experience life.