Social media and gaming have become omnipresent forces, shaping the daily lives and minds of young boys and men in unprecedented ways. They can foster a sense of community and belonging among young men, helping them to build meaningful connections and friendships. Additionally, these platforms provide a space for developing strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, and creativity through interactive and collaborative experiences. These platforms offer a virtual escape and an arena for competition, but we also can’t discount the impact they can have on their mental health. Among these, poor self-image, Fear of Missing Out (FOMO), and aggression stand out as significant concerns. This blog aims to delve into these issues, exploring how social media and gaming influence the mental well-being of young men and offering insights into maintaining a healthy digital relationship.
The Illusion of Perfection and Poor Self-Image
Social media is a double-edged sword. On one side, it provides a platform for connection and self-expression; on the other, it perpetuates unrealistic standards of beauty, success, and lifestyle. Young men, bombarded with staged and filtered images and videos, often find themselves comparing them to their own lives. As with the rise of fitness culture, although it can promote positive habits such as regular exercise and healthy eating, it also raises some concerns such as the portrayal of idealised, often unattainable body standards leading to depression, anxiety, self-esteem issues, body dysmorphia, and unhealthy behaviours among young men.
A 2020 study conducted by researchers at the University of Melbourne, titled “Social Media Use and Body Dissatisfaction Among Adolescent Boys,” highlighted the correlation between frequent social media use, lower self-esteem and higher levels of body dissatisfaction among young men. Unlike traditional media, social media blurs the lines between reality and fiction, making it harder for young men to distinguish between genuine achievements and staged perfection.
The Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)
The Fear of Missing Out, or FOMO, is another psychological phenomenon exacerbated by social media. Platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and Facebook are designed to showcase the highlights of people’s lives, often leaving out the mundane or challenging moments. For young men, scrolling through a feed filled with friends’ vacations, parties, and achievements can trigger a sense of exclusion and inadequacy.
FOMO isn’t just a fleeting feeling; it can lead to chronic stress and anxiety. Young men may feel pressured to constantly stay connected and relevant, fearing that they might miss out on social events, trends, or opportunities. This perpetual state of alertness can disrupt sleep patterns, reduce productivity, and strain relationships. In addition, the desire to keep up with peers can lead to poor decision-making, such as overspending, neglecting responsibilities, or engaging in risky behaviours.
Virtual Aggression and Its Real-World Implications
While gaming offers an engaging and interactive experience, it also has the potential to foster aggression, particularly in competitive and violent game genres. The anonymity provided by online gaming platforms can embolden young men to express aggression in ways they might not in face-to-face interactions. Trash talk, cyberbullying, and even harassment can become normalised behaviours in these virtual environments.
The impact of virtual aggression extends beyond the screen. Research conducted by Dr. Wayne Warburton and colleagues at Macquarie University, titled “The Effects of Violent Video Game Play on Aggression,” suggests that exposure to violent video games can increase aggressive thoughts, feelings, and behaviours in the real world. This is especially concerning for young men who may already be navigating complex emotions and social dynamics. The competitive nature of many games can also lead to heightened stress and frustration, further exacerbating aggressive tendencies. It’s crucial to recognise that while not all gamers exhibit these behaviours, the potential for negative impacts warrants attention and intervention.
Navigating the Digital Landscape
Given the profound influence of social media and gaming on young men’s mental well-being, it’s essential to adopt strategies for healthier engagement. Awareness is the first step—understanding the potential risks and recognising the signs of poor self-image, FOMO, and aggression can empower young men to seek help and make informed choices.
Setting boundaries is another crucial strategy. Limiting screen time, curating social media feeds to include positive and diverse content, and engaging in offline activities can help reduce the negative impacts of these digital platforms. Encouraging open conversations about the pressures and challenges of social media and gaming can also foster a supportive environment where young men feel understood and less isolated. The eSafety Commission has recently conducted a survey of 100 young men aged 16-21 asking them about their online experiences to gain insight into how they can be best supported online. You can read more here Being a Young Man Online Report.
Promoting digital literacy and critical thinking skills can equip young men to navigate the online world more effectively. Understanding the algorithms and marketing tactics behind social media can demystify the illusion of perfection, helping young men to view content more critically and less personally. In gaming, encouraging a balance between competitive play and cooperative, non-violent games can mitigate the risks of aggression and promote more positive social interactions.
The minds of young men are undeniably shaped by their interactions with social media and gaming. While they offer opportunities for connection and entertainment, they also pose significant risks to mental well-being. Poor self-image, FOMO, and aggression are just a few of the challenges that young men can face. By fostering awareness, setting healthy boundaries, and promoting critical thinking, young men can enjoy the benefits of the digital world while maintaining a healthy and positive self-image. Most importantly we would encourage any young person to seek support from trusted friends, family, educators or mental health professionals.
If you or someone you know requires assistance from a mental health professional there are several resources available to provide immediate and ongoing support.
Lifeline 13 11 14 – operates a 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention hotline
Beyond Blue 1300 224 636 – provides a wide array of services aimed at helping individuals manage anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions.
