October 13, 2025
Teenage boys are consuming ‘masculinity-related materials’ on social media.
Social media content material is shaping the best way boys see masculinity, based on a brand new report.
Frequent Sense Media studies almost three in 4 teenage boys are commonly uncovered to social media content material that hyperlinks masculinity to dominance, cash, and bodily energy. Clinicians warn that the development might distort boys’ sense of self and emotional well-being.
Boys ages 11 to 17 are consuming on-line content material that facilities on “masculinity-related materials.” The identical examine stated greater than two-third of respondents come throughout posts that “promotes problematic gender roles.” Such content material contains movies that depict success as management over others or romantic consideration as a standing image.
Michael Robb, director of analysis at Frequent Sense Media and lead writer of the examine, mentioned the parameters of the examine with CNN.
“We’re documenting how the algorithms that youngsters are part of are particularly shaping their identification throughout this actually essential interval of adolescence, which is a time of identification formation,” Robb stated.
Robb added that he was significantly involved concerning the connection between digital misogyny and real-world violence.
“My analysis means that when destructive messages about girls and ladies are normalized on-line, it will probably trigger offline violence,” he stated.
Whereas the survey didn’t show a direct hyperlink between publicity and conduct, Robb acknowledged it may underestimate the impression.
“Those that maintain these views might not have been prepared to confess within the survey that they have been experiencing emotional struggles or feeling susceptible,” he stated.
Melissa Greenberg, a medical psychologist at Princeton Psychotherapy Heart who was not concerned within the analysis, stated dad and mom ought to assume their youngsters will encounter such materials no matter on-line restrictions.
“Even when we monitor and restrict what our children see at house, they are going to be uncovered to content material we aren’t conscious of in different settings, and thru pals and friends,” Greenberg informed CNN in an e-mail.
Specialists stated dad and mom may also help counteract destructive influences by having open, judgment-free conversations about what teenagers see on-line. Robb suggested asking boys instantly about their digital experiences, including, “One secret tip is that youngsters are literally fairly excited to speak about their media use.”
Frequent Sense Media is asking for higher media literacy training to assist youth establish bias.
RELATED CONTENT: New York Now Requires Social Media Apps To Report Content material Moderation Insurance policies
