Research by Deakin University, eSafety, and Queensland University of Technology has found that young men are both victims and perpetrators of online harm.
The study shows that many young men value the freedom the internet gives them to explore, experiment, and present themselves in ways they wouldn’t offline.
A place for exploration
The internet and social media provide spaces for young men to explore their sexuality, make connections, and gain a sense of belonging. However, the survey also found that these spaces are rife with negativity and abuse, including sexism, racism, and transphobia.
The authors note that young men today are drawn to self-improvement and empowerment content online. They also feel pressure to be the best version of themselves and look for role models for guidance.
“Whether it’s their emotional vulnerabilities, physical appearance, or financial and life goals, young men navigate a complex environment where they feel a lot of pressure from social expectations about what it means to be a man,” the report explains.
Bad influences
“This can lead some to follow influential but harmful voices that don’t align with broader community values. It’s important to note that young men are not just perpetrators of online harm; they are victims too. Participants described gaming communities as places where it’s normal to respond to abuse with abuse. Others saw aggression and discrimination as inherent parts of being online.”
This qualitative study, involving over 100 young men aged 16 to 21 through 25 focus groups and individual interviews, is one of the most detailed looks at the online lives of young men in Australia.
The authors point out that navigating adolescence and early adulthood has always been challenging, but today’s youth are the first to grow up straddling offline and online worlds.
“Young men are coming of age amid complicated public discussions about modern masculinity, making it harder to figure out who they are and what they stand for,” the report states. “As Australia’s online safety educators, we wanted to understand how to support young men in online spaces in ways that are meaningful and relevant to them, and to use these insights in resources for kids, youth, parents, and educators.”
