In discussions about body image issues among teenagers, the focus often centers on girls. (1)(2) While it’s true that “some” teenage girls face intense societal pressure to conform to unrealistic beauty standards, boys are not immune to these same forces. (3) Social media has created an environment that increasingly affects teen boy’s body image, fostering feelings of inadequacy and promoting harmful ideals of masculinity and physical appearance. As parents, understanding the specific ways social media influences boys’ self-image is essential to helping them navigate these challenges – this is something we speak to in our presentations here at the White Hatter.
Much like the impact of filtered and edited photos on girl’s self-esteem, social media has cultivated an unrealistic standard for male bodies. Images of muscular physiques, chiseled abs, and hyper-masculine ideals flood platforms like, TikTok, and YouTube. Fitness influencers, models, and even celebrities often present a narrow version of what it means to “look good” and be a man. (4) Unfortunately, these standards are not achievable for most teenage boys, whose bodies are still developing and going through natural stages of growth.
For many teen boys, the constant bombardment of these images can create a sense of self – inadequacy. The comparison to muscular and seemingly perfect bodies can lead to body dissatisfaction, causing boys to feel they fall short of societal expectations and what girls like. This is often exacerbated by the pressure to embody traditional notions of masculinity, which places significant emphasis on strength and physical prowess.
Social media algorithms play a crucial role in reinforcing these body image ideals. Once a teen boy engages with fitness or body transformation content, whether through likes, comments, or views, platforms like TikTok and Instagram start recommending more of the same. This creates a negative feedback loop where boys are constantly exposed to content promoting muscle-building workouts, restrictive diets, and even potentially harmful supplements. (5)
For some, these recommendations may serve as motivation to adopt healthier habits like regular exercise or balanced eating. However, for others, it can lead to an obsession with appearance, creating unhealthy behaviors such as extreme dieting, over-exercising, or using dangerous substances like steroids (6) to achieve the “perfect” body.
Muscle dysmorphia is a psychological condition that has been increasingly linked to social media use among teen boys. It’s characterized by an obsession with building muscle and a distorted view of one’s body. Boys who suffer from muscle dysmorphia often believe they are too small or weak, even if they are muscular or in good physical shape. Social media can exacerbate these feelings, as teen boys compare themselves to influencers and celebrities with seemingly unattainable physiques. (7)
The desire to achieve these extreme standards can lead to boys engaging in risky behavior, such as overtraining or resorting to unregulated protein supplements to bulk up. A friend of ours who works at a well-known supplement store mentioned that there’s been a significant rise in the number of teen boys coming into his store to buy “natural” supplements to boost muscle growth. In severe cases, this obsession can affect their mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, and a distorted relationship with food and exercise.
Boys may not vocalize their body image struggles as openly as girls, but the emotional toll is just as significant. Feelings of inadequacy, shame, and frustration can take root when they believe their bodies don’t measure up to societal standards. The constant comparison to others can chip away at self-esteem, leading boys to tie their self-worth to their appearance.
So how can parents and caregivers help”
- Create a space where your son feels comfortable discussing body image issues. Many boys might feel embarrassed to admit they are struggling with their appearance, as they may see it as a sign of weakness. Reassure them that these feelings are normal and that they are not alone.
- Teach your son that physical health is not just about appearance. Encourage healthy habits like regular exercise and balanced nutrition for the sake of well-being, not just aesthetics. Highlight the importance of mental and emotional health as part of an overall healthy lifestyle.
- Talk to your son about societal expectations of masculinity and how these pressures can be harmful. Encourage him to embrace his identity beyond physical appearance, reminding him that worth is determined by character, kindness, and resilience, not just muscles.
- If your son seems overly obsessed with his appearance or is exhibiting signs of distress, anxiety, or depression related to his body image, consider seeking help from a therapist or counselor. Early intervention can prevent these issues from escalating into more severe mental health problems.
While social media can be a powerful tool for connection and self-expression, it also presents risks when it comes to body image, especially for “some” teen boys. As parents, it’s important to recognize the pressures boys face online and offline and to guide them toward a healthy and balanced perspective on their bodies. By fostering open conversations, promoting a positive relationship with social media, and emphasizing health over appearance, we can help our sons build self-esteem and resilience in the face of unrealistic societal standards and pressure they face in today’s onlife world.
Digital Food For Thought
The White Hatter
Facts Not Fear, Facts Not Emotion, Enlighten Not Frighten, Know Tech Not No Tech
References
2/ https://thewhitehatter.ca/social-comparison-and-body-image/
4/ https://thewhitehatter.ca/blog/the-contagion-effect-of-andrew-tate-on-youth-schools/
6/ https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/a61941240/trenbolone-steroid-trend/
7/https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/14614448241281827
