Content warning: This article includes one mention of rape and human trafficking
As we head into Men's Health Month 2024, it's an opportune time to reflect on the undeniably powerful role social media plays in shaping young men’s self-image, behaviours in the real world, and attitudes towards themselves and the people around them.
Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube have become more than spaces for entertainment; they’re influential venues where ideas about gender and masculinity are formed and challenged. For boys and young men, these portrayals can have a lasting impact on their mental health, ideas of masculinity and personal growth.
For teachers striving to support male students' mental health, understanding these dynamics is vital. This article explores the complexities of male influencers, discusses figures like Andrew Tate, and suggests more positive role models who embody healthier values.
The complexity of masculinity and mental health
Masculinity has been closely studied in counselling psychology, particularly regarding its association with mental health. Research over the past few decades suggests that certain aspects of "traditional masculinity" can lead to negative mental health outcomes (Wong, 2010; O’Neil, 2012). The Conformity to Masculine Norms Inventory (CMNI-94) is a tool developed to examine how adherence to various masculine norms affects mental health. These norms range from emotional control and dominance to self-reliance and risk-taking (Mahalik, 2003). While some norms can foster resilience, others can hinder mental wellbeing by discouraging seeking help, vulnerability and emotionality, or promoting aggression and isolation.
Understanding the impact of influencers
In today’s digital age, male influencers play a significant role in shaping what young men perceive as "ideal masculinity." Andrew Tate is a clear example of this. His brand and messaging promote a version of masculinity that celebrates dominance, risk-taking and control, traits often associated with "toxic" masculinity i.e. a version of masculinity which prioritises traditional ideas of manhood, often to the detriment of one's well being, the quality of one’s relationships, and the wellbeing of others in our lives.
Tate (who is currently still under house arrest in Romania for charges of rape and human trafficking) has garnered millions of views for his online content, with messages that encourage toughness and emotional suppression - masculine norms that research such as the above links to psychological distress and poor wellbeing. While such messages may appeal to young boys eager to assert independence and their masculine identity, they often do so at the expense of young people’s relational and emotional health.
Many boys find Tate’s lifestyle appealing because it embodies a sense of power, status and authority. However, studies suggest that conformity to certain masculine norms, particularly those Tate emphasises - such as dominance, control over emotions, and disdain for vulnerability - can actually increase mental health issues. A study by Y. Joel Wong found that men who strongly conform to these norms often report higher levels of psychological distress (2012).
For young boys absorbing these messages, this can create a vicious cycle where they feel compelled to "toughen up" and hide emotional struggles, despite struggling with their wellbeing or the day-to-day stresses of being an adolescent, leading to increased isolation and worsening mental health.
More positive role models
Amidst the myriad of comparisons, unhealthy messaging, and limiting representations of masculinity on the internet, there are influencers who promote and demonstrate "healthy" masculinity. These people use their platforms to offer boys and young men alternative pathways to self-expression, success, and happiness by being vocal around things like their own mental health and the re-defining of strength to include the capacity to be emotional, vulnerable and to ask for help when it is needed, and being activists in violence against women and girls.
These role models encourage vulnerability, open conversations about mental health, and a balanced view of success. Here are some of the more positive voices on social media who can provide a counterbalance:
1. Jordan Stephens
Jordan Stephens, best known as one half of the music duo Rizzle Kicks, is a prominent mental health advocate who openly discusses his struggles with depression, anxiety, his ADHD and societal pressures on men to suppress emotion. He uses his platform to promote self-compassion, honesty, and breaking away from unhealthy traits of masculinity. Stephens encourages young men to embrace vulnerability and authenticity - traits that research has shown can improve mental wellbeing.
2. Dr. Alex George
Known as the UK Youth Mental Health Ambassador, Dr. Alex George uses his social media influence to speak openly about mental health, especially within the male demographic. A former Love Island star and A&E doctor, Dr. Alex offers a refreshing perspective, challenging harmful stereotypes by advocating for empathy, self-care, and mental health support. His posts resonate with young men, showing that masculinity does not have to conflict with seeking help or expressing emotions.
3. Roman Kemp
The radio host and documentary presenter Roman Kemp has also taken a bold stance on mental health, particularly after the death of his close friend, Joe Lyons. Roman advocates for the importance of checking in on friends, especially men, and is candid about his own mental health challenges. Through his platform, Kemp normalises discussions around suicide prevention and emotional support, which research suggests can help reduce the stigma around seeking help.
These influencers provide healthier models of masculinity by challenging outdated norms and fostering values such as empathy, connection, and emotional openness. Research by James R Mahalik supports the idea that masculinity can be multi-dimensional, and men who embrace a more flexible view of masculinity - prioritising personal wellbeing and connection - often report better mental health outcomes and increased quality in relationships (2003).
Applying research to social media’s influence on masculinity
The CMNI-94’s findings suggest that young men who conform to certain rigid masculine norms often experience worse mental health, particularly those around emotional suppression, dominance, and avoidance of vulnerability. However, positive outcomes are associated with men who embrace flexibility in gender norms and prioritise qualities like self-compassion, collaboration, and empathy.
The theory behind these findings is called the "gender role norms model," which suggests that while conformity to certain masculine norms may benefit mental health, rigid adherence to others can harm it (Mahalik, 2003). For instance, boys and men who feel pressured to hide their emotions may struggle to form close relationships and avoid seeking help. Teachers and caregivers who engage with boys on these topics can help them understand that masculinity doesn’t have to be synonymous with emotional suppression or stoicism.
Supporting boys and young men in navigating social media
For teachers, addressing the mental health impact of social media on male students requires both understanding and proactive strategies. Here are some ways teachers can help boys navigate social media influence:
Facilitating critical discussions on masculinity: Teachers can create non-judgmental, confidential spaces in classrooms to discuss masculinity, societal pressures, and mental health. Encouraging young men to reflect on how masculinity norms are portrayed on social media, who benefits and who doesn’t benefit from these portrayals, and how they personally feel about them can be transformative. This critical reflection helps dismantle harmful stereotypes, empowering young men to define masculinity in ways that align with their values and well-being.When exploring gender and masculinity, it's helpful for teachers to adopt the 'facilitator mindset', asking questions and facilitating discussion, rather than teaching what's 'right' or 'wrong'. If a student says a comment that may be seen as harmful, rather than a zero tolerance approach, can it be unpacked in an open and honest way? Can we ask about where this comment comes from, what beliefs underpin it, where we have learnt these ideas from, and the impact this all can have? It's important for comments to not be shut down, but rather be met with an attempt to understand where that young person is coming from, as this can then facilitate growth beyond the attitude or belief.
Introducing positive role models: Teachers can ask students to think about who their male role models are (real or fictional), and encourage them to think critically about how their role model portrays masculinity, and whether that’s something the students want to subscribe to or not. Within the same discussion, teachers can introduce students to positive influencers who exemplify healthier expressions of masculinity. Discussing figures like Jordan Stephens or Dr. Alex George can offer students alternative models of strength and resilience that don’t rely on emotional suppression or aggression.
Promoting media literacy: Teachers can help boys develop critical thinking around social media by fostering media literacy skills. Discussing topics like how influencers might use certain tactics to engage viewers and rank higher on their algorithms (often by amplifying controversial or extreme views) can empower students to approach content with a discerning eye, and engage with videos and posts more critically, with their own best interests at heart.
Encouraging seeking help and emotional expression: Normalising emotional expression and asking for help can have long-term benefits for young men’s mental health. In an environment where boys feel supported in asking for help, they are more likely to seek guidance from someone they know rather than going online for answers and validation. Teachers can play a critical role by openly talking about mental health and offering resources to those in need.
As social media continues to play an integral role in the lives of boys and young men, understanding its impact on mental health is more important than ever. Male influencers shape perceptions of masculinity, with some promoting harmful ideals that prioritise toughness and emotional suppression.
Figures like Andrew Tate resonate because they embody ideals that seem strong and assertive; however, they also reinforce rigid masculinity norms that research has shown to be detrimental to mental health.
On the other hand, positive role models like Jordan Stephens and Roman Kemp are reshaping masculinity to include empathy, vulnerability, and self-awareness. For teachers working to support the mental health of male students, promoting these healthier models can be transformative.
By engaging students in critical discussions, promoting media literacy, and encouraging emotional openness, educators can help foster a healthier generation of boys and men. This Men's Health Month, let’s recognise the power of positive influence and support boys and young men on their journey towards mental wellbeing.
If your school is experiencing a rise in praise from students about Andrew Tate, aggression and/or a prevalence of harmful ideas about masculinity and women’s place in the world, consider exploring our Healthy Masculinity Leaders programme, designed to evaluate school-wide cultures of masculinity and create a bespoke training programme to train your selected students as “Healthy Masculinity Leaders”. The programme culminates in student-led social-action initiatives that raise awareness of healthy masculinity, and other student identified issues, which can include mental health and wellbeing.
References:
Wong, Y., Ho, M., Wang, S., Miller, I. (2017) Meta-Analyses of the Relationship Between Conformity to Masculine Norms and Mental Health-Related Outcomes, Journal of Counseling Psychology [Internet], Vol. 64, No. 1, pp.80-93 http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/cou0000176 (Accessed 31.10.24)
Mahalik, J. R., Locke, B. D., Ludlow, L. H., Diemer, M. A., Scott, R. P., Gottfried, M., & Freitas, G. (2003). Development of the Conformity to Masculine Norms Inventory. Psychology of Men & Masculinity, 4, 3–25.
O’Neil, J. M. (2012). The psychology of men: Theory, research, clinical knowledge, and future directions. In E. Altmaier & J. Hansen (Eds.), Oxford handbook of counselling psychology (pp. 375– 408). New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
Comentários