Hey Dr Sue — Do You Think That The Standards For Men In Media Affects Them The Same Way They Affect Women?

This is a great question!

Media teaches us what’s “normal” and “acceptable.” This includes everything from “acceptable” behavior for our gender, to how we “should” act in our relationships. It also includes what body types are seen as “desirable.”

If you ask most people if they’re influenced by media they probably would say no. Yet look at how many trends are driven by media and social media. This includes everything from fashion to TikTok dances.

We know the impact that media can have on people. We know that eating disorders, and disordered eating, can be tied to trying to fit an “ideal” body type that’s presented in media. For a long time we focused mainly on women and eating disorders, and the impact of the media.

Now we’re starting to get a better understanding of how the media’s portrayal of an “ideal” man affects men. We’re finally starting to acknowledge that men have been underdiagnosed in the past for eating disorders. We know that the rates of eating disorders and disordered eating are increasing faster in boys and men than they are for women and girls. I’m not saying that all of this is tied solely to media, but media definitely plays a role.