"Technology's impact on adolescents and young boys has been the subject of discussion and concern for decades. This new wave of AI tools has tightened the loop between technology and culture, with technology influencing mindsets and behavior and vice versa. An October 2025 report by Common Sense Media coined the term "digital masculinity" to describe the ways in which masculinity is defined, conveyed, and negotiated online specifically."
"As expected, the study showed that boys are regularly served up content that harms their self-esteem and that perpetuates problematic mindsets around women and girls. Forty-four percent were exposed to content about making money, 39 percent about building muscle, and 35 percent around fighting or weapons. Sixty-nine percent of adolescent boys regularly see messages that girls only want to date certain types of guys (28 percent), and that girls use their looks to get what they want (25 percent)."
AI tools tighten the loop between technology and culture, shaping mindsets and behavior among adolescents. Algorithms routinely deliver 'digital masculinity' content to boys rather than boys seeking it. Boys frequently encounter messages about making money (44%), building muscle (39%), and fighting or weapons (35%). Sixty-nine percent regularly see messages portraying girls as selective daters (28%) or as using their looks to get what they want (25%). Ninety-four percent of boys go online daily. High exposure to digital masculinity content correlates with lower self-esteem, greater loneliness, and stronger adherence to unwritten masculine norms. Offline support can mitigate harmful exposure.
Read at Psychology Today
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