Let’s Talk About Men, Social Media, and Mental Health

November is Men's Mental Health Month, so let’s have a proper chat about something that's been on my mind lately: the way social media impacts men’s mental health. This isn’t just a "like and scroll" kind of conversation, this is about digging into the pressures, the comparisons, and the quieter battles that so many men face.

The Silent Standards

Social media is like a double-edged sword. It’s brilliant for connecting, sharing, and having a laugh at the latest memes, but it also quietly sets these ridiculous standards. The "perfect" body. The "right" clothes. The "ideal" life. We all feel it to some degree, but for men, there’s this added layer of pressure tied to masculinity.

I’ve met so many men who’ve told me they only wear expensive clothes not because they necessarily love them, but because they feel like they have to. Cheaper clothes? They think they’ll be judged, and seen as less. That’s a heavy weight to carry, and social media only fuels it. Scrolling past influencers rocking luxury brands and perfect physiques can make anyone feel "less than."

Body Image and Comparisons

Here’s a stat that floored me: almost half of the men surveyed have either considered or had some type of body modification. One in ten say social media directly influenced that decision and that jumps to nearly one in five for younger men aged 16-24. Think about that for a second. Social media isn’t just making people feel bad about their bodies; it’s actively pushing them toward drastic changes.

It’s no wonder, though. Social feeds are full of gym bros with abs chiselled by the gods, promoting supplements or routines that promise you'll look like them. And the algorithm knows how to keep those images in your face, like a constant reminder of where you "fall short." But let’s be real, most of those photos are posed, edited, and curated. They’re not real life, and they shouldn’t define what men “should” look like.

The Hidden FOMO

It’s not just about looks, either. Social media breeds FOMO like nothing else. Nights out, holidays, new gadgets, and seeing everyone else’s highlight reel can make you feel like you’re missing out or not doing enough. And for men, there’s this unspoken expectation to have it all together: the job, the car, the nights out, the banter. Social media magnifies that pressure tenfold.

Bullying and Harassment

Let’s not forget the darker side of social platforms: bullying and harassment. For men, this often comes wrapped in “banter” that can be cruel, isolating, and damaging. The "man up" mentality still lingers, making it harder for men to admit they’re struggling or even to recognise that what they’re experiencing isn’t okay.

Why This Matters

Here’s the hard truth: men are less likely to seek help for mental health issues. And that silence is costing lives. Groups like Andy’s Man Club are fighting to change this, and I can’t shout about them enough. They’ve opened a group in Carlisle, and I’ve heard nothing but praise for the support they offer.

They’re not about therapy in the traditional sense, it’s about conversations, peer-to-peer support, and breaking the stigma around men’s mental health. Just a bunch of guys sitting in a room, talking, and listening. It’s simple but life-changing. If you’re struggling or know someone who is, check them out. #ITSOKAYTOTALK

A Final Thought

Social media can be a fantastic tool, but it can also be a silent thief, stealing confidence, joy, and self-worth. If you’re a guy feeling the weight of those invisible pressures, please know you’re not alone. You’re enough as you are.

And for everyone else? Let’s stop brushing men’s mental health aside. Talk to the men in your life, check in on them, and remind them that it’s okay to not be okay.

Always an advocate,

Maddie