A new survey has found young men who watch masculinity influencers are more likely than others to report poor mental health.
Men’s health charity Movember found that while the male influencers were a source of entertainment and motivation, their viewers report feelings of worthlessness and sadness.
More than two-thirds of the young men surveyed watch masculinity influencers.
New study
Movember surveyed more than 3,000 young men aged 16 to 25 across Australia, the U.S. and the UK.
It identified fitness, financial success, and relationships as key themes that appealed to young men as sources of entertainment and motivation.
Many young men reported taking influencers’ advice, which they said often generated positive emotions. Three quarters of respondents said acting on this advice made them feel more motivated, and nearly half felt they had a greater sense of purpose.
Masculinity
Movember’s research found a key narrative identified by young men in the content is the importance of self-reliance and emotional control.
Research shows masculinity influencers often present themselves as having “the solution” to life and offer “clear roadmaps” for overcoming challenges.
Reflecting this, 62% of those surveyed who watched masculinity-focused content believed men should solve problems on their own, compared to 39% of those who don’t engage with such content.
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Three quarters of young men watching these influencers also believed that men who can’t control their emotions are “weak”.
Mental health
Despite describing positive responses to masculinity content, the study found young men who engage with these influencers have worse mental health outcomes than young men who did not.
Movember said it was unclear whether poorer mental health of some men drew them towards this content, or if the content made them feel this way, or both.
Government response
In the lead-up to the federal election on 3 May, both major parties have committed funding to mental health.
On Wednesday, Labor committed $11.3 million to Movember to provide training to health workers and encourage men to visit doctors, if re-elected.
At a press conference, Health Minister Mark Butler said: “Too many blokes put off prioritising their health.”
Earlier this month, the Coalition pledged $15 million to continue the National Suicide Prevention Research Fund to address mental health, if elected.
Shadow Minister for Health Anne Ruston said: “Around 3,000 Australians die by suicide every year, and 75% of them are men. We must change this.”
