October 13th 2025.
According to a new report, social media has a significant impact on how boys perceive masculinity. The study, conducted by Common Sense Media, discovered that nearly three-quarters of teenage boys are regularly exposed to content that connects masculinity with dominance, financial success, and physical strength. This type of messaging can have a negative impact on boys' sense of self and emotional well-being, experts warn.
The study focused on boys between the ages of 11 to 17 and their consumption of online content related to masculinity. It found that more than two-thirds of the participants encountered posts that promoted problematic gender roles. These posts often depicted success as the ability to control others or receive romantic attention as a status symbol.
Michael Robb, the director of research at Common Sense Media and the lead author of the study, spoke with CNN about the research. He explained that the algorithms used on social media platforms are shaping boys' identities during a crucial time in their development. "Adolescence is a time of identity formation, and we are documenting how these algorithms are specifically influencing that process," Robb said.
Robb also expressed concern about the connection between online misogyny and real-world violence. "My research suggests that when negative messages about women and girls are normalized online, it can lead to offline violence," he stated.
Although the survey did not prove a direct link between exposure to this type of content and behavior, Robb acknowledged that it could underestimate the impact. He suggested that those who hold these views may not feel comfortable admitting to experiencing emotional struggles or feeling vulnerable.
Melissa Greenberg, a clinical psychologist at Princeton Psychotherapy Center who was not involved in the research, emphasized that parents should be aware that their children will likely encounter this type of content regardless of online restrictions. "Even if we monitor and limit what our kids see at home, they will be exposed to content we are not aware of in other settings, and through friends and peers," Greenberg said in an email to CNN.
Experts recommend that parents have open and non-judgmental conversations with their teens about what they see online. Robb suggested asking boys directly about their digital experiences and added, "One secret tip is that kids are actually quite excited to talk about their media use."
Common Sense Media is calling for better media literacy education to help youth identify bias and understand the influence of social media on their perceptions of masculinity. This call for action comes in response to New York's recent legislation requiring social media apps to report their content moderation policies. It is crucial for parents, educators, and society as a whole to address the impact of social media on boys and promote healthy and positive ideas of masculinity.
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