Reform – Resource Centre for Men has released a new report examining how teenage boys’ views on gender equality and masculinity are shaped and influenced by the online world.
Through individual interviews and focus groups with boys aged 16 to 19, Reform explored how they understand and relate to gender roles and equality, and how these ideas are influenced by online trends and figures such as Andrew Tate.
The project “Tate og gutta” (“Tate and the Boys”) was initiated after several inquiries from teachers and professionals seeking more knowledge about how the online world affects boys’ attitudes and self-understanding. The report provides insight into the boys’ own experiences, thoughts, and reflections on topics such as algorithm-driven content, mental health, and male role models.
The findings show that many young men face conflicting expectations about what it means to be a boy today – and that social media is an important arena for both reinforcing and challenging ideas of masculinity. At the same time, the boys interviewed expressed a desire for more conversations about mental health, as well as space to show vulnerability and share their own experiences.
The report is aimed particularly at professionals working with young people but is also relevant for anyone concerned with gender equality, youth culture, and preventative work. Based on the project’s findings, Reform offers a range of recommendations to professionals, policymakers, and others invested in supporting boys’ and men’s well-being.
This project was made possible with funding from the Norwegian Directorate for Children, Youth and Family Affairs (Bufdir).
