Movember Institute — Young Men's Health in a Digital World

What the study found

Research from the Movember Institute of Men's Health surveyed more than 3,000 young men aged 16 to 25 across the UK, US and Australia and examined how they engaged with online "men and masculinity" influencers. It found that 63 per cent of respondents watched this kind of content, and that 43 per cent of those watchers found it motivating, with many describing it as entertaining and inspiring. At the same time, watchers were more likely to report worse mental-health outcomes — 27 per cent reported feelings of worthlessness — showed reduced willingness to make their mental health a priority, and had higher rates of risk-taking behaviour such as steroid use or exercising while injured. ^[1]

Why it matters here

The manosphere is often discussed alongside young men's mental health, with influencer content sometimes framed as either a lifeline or a driver of harm. This research complicates both framings: it shows that much of the appeal is positive and self-improvement oriented, yet also documents an association between heavier engagement and poorer wellbeing and greater risk-taking. Because it is survey data, it establishes correlation rather than cause, and cannot on its own show that the content produces those outcomes. It is cited on is there a male loneliness epidemic? as evidence on how online masculinity content relates to young men's mental health and social wellbeing.