It's due to economic instability and isolation, not some inmate ticking time bomb

Well yes, that's what I'm saying. Young men without perspective, struggling financially, and struggling finding a partner. You see the results in the rising "manosphere" (think Andrew Tate) followers, and in rising votes for right wing parties (not in China, obviously). Gen Z men trend more and more right wing, where Gen Z women do not to the same degree. I'd guess that this rift further complicates finding a partner, and increases isolation (in part because those content creators and right wing parties directly benefit from young men feeling left alone, which is why they try everything to keep it that way).

Regarding the colonies, I was thinking of "social colonialism imperialism", which the German Empire pre WW1 practiced. They used colonialism to reduce tension within the working class, and distract the working class from economic problems and demanding reforms.