ehh, One who conducted the research? Where did it got published and when? what's the sample size? what's the source for the news even let alone the the research? Two - in 2009 a research conducted in US on over 5,800 people from age 14-94, published in 2010 by Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University says 81% Men and 72% Women masturbate. This is just in 2009, you can use your imagination to guess how the number can significantly increase based on the above data. So my argument is did the US become poor because of it? of course not, besides it's own down side I don't think it has significant impact on our poor work ethic and corrupt system and failed society norms, it's just another justification. You can do your own research for more info, I also suggest to look deep when some news like this come along. [Source for NSSHB research]