Week 6: A Digital Reflection of the Interview
Kobby S -
Hello reader! This week is all about the research behind the interview.
While there are many moving components in a topic such as this, let me explain the relationship between social media and toxic masculinity in a more grounded way, focusing on real impacts and research.
From a seventeen-year-old’s perspective, the notions that condemn the use of social media seem like talking points to push a bigger political narrative that I am too tired to think about, but as I started investigating my usage, I began to see some contradiction, yet verification of what I initially thought. According to the National Health Institute (NIH), “1,319 residents of the United Kingdom between the ages of 16 and 59, individuals who were heavy Internet users reported more symptoms of depression.” However, in that same breath, another study was cited that stated no correlation existed.
On the contrary, recent studies have shown differing results based on geographical region. For example, when you search Chipotle, a location appears in your state and not in some random city like New York City. In conservative areas, particularly the American South and Midwest, algorithms tend to amplify traditional masculine content, creating digital echo chambers that reinforce conventional gender norms. Users in these areas are more frequently exposed to content emphasizing physical dominance, stoicism, and material success, often marked by distinctive emoji use (💪, 🐺, 👑) that subtly reinforces these values. Although many people, including myself, use these emojis in an ironic sense when referring to masculinity or success, often when younger children consume these subtleties it begins making an imprint on their impressionable minds that they begin to carry and in areas with higher economic pressure, content promoting financial success and material achievement as masculine ideals tends to gain more traction. This probably explains why “hustle culture” content performs 40% better in regions with lower median incomes, and it might even be where the saying “Get your money up, not your funny up” stems from. Additionally, urban areas, especially coastal cities, often see more diverse representations of masculinity in their feeds. A growing countermovement on these platforms promotes emotional intelligence and mental health awareness, with influential content creators reaching millions of followers with messages challenging traditional norms. In tandem, many men report positive experiences within online fitness communities, finding valuable social support and motivation for personal growth, but at what point does the simple before and after photo of a person’s physique diminish the complexities and struggle put in to obtain the six-pack beach body many want so badly? The platforms’ reward systems create a paradoxical pressure: men must simultaneously project unwavering strength while silently managing feelings of inadequacy. But this concept has been around long before social media.
Above depicts how geographical differences, typically corresponding to political party as well, affect how men think masculinity is viewed
https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2024/10/17/how-americans-see-men-and-masculinity
Growing up in a traditional African household, this concept was always made clear, and I have rarely seen them broken, making what some may view as toxic normal to me, even if not explicitly mentioned. So let’s define toxic: Is it feeling unimportant or lesser than other males, or is it the motivation you need to be the best version of yourself?
I know you probably clicked on this blog expecting clear answers, but the truth is more nuanced. What I’ve learned is that social media isn’t inherently good or bad – it’s a mirror reflecting and amplifying our existing cultural values, just with different angles depending on where you stand. The key lies in recognizing these patterns and consciously choosing how we engage with them.
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