Toxic masculinity is known as a social guideline aimed towards men achieving control, power, aggression and dominance. In reality, toxic masculinity causes harm, pushing young boys to fit the social standard of a traditional “man.” 

     Men and young boys in society are taught to be strong, pushing them away from their emotions. According to the Pew Research Organization, 86 percent of men in a survey feel or have felt the pressure to be emotionally strong. Phrases such as “be a man” and “real men don’t cry,” cause men to shy away from reaching out if help is needed.

     “These roles have been passed down from generation to generation, so for some people it becomes unacceptable for these roles to be changed,” AP Psychology Teacher Arturo Tenacio said. 

     Throughout life, certain traditions have been passed down without people realizing it. These traditions can affect how men react to situations or handle them. According to the Society for Personality and Social Psychology, fathers have a strong influence on a son’s masculinity. In a study, a series of questions were asked to fathers and sons. The strongest correlations were found in questions asked related to violence, sexuality and sexual relationships.

     In men, pain is usually ignored, worsening mental health. Suppressing emotions from a young age can lead to anxiety, depression, isolation and even suicide. According to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention, in 2022, suicide rates in men were four times higher than women, with about 80 percent of suicides being from men. 

     “At times I feel like I need to hide my emotions, as men it makes us look weak,” senior Felipe Miravete-Perez said. “I don’t really like expressing my feelings in general.”

         Toxic masculinity can also be seen in the film industry, further encouraging a negative mindset on young men. The movie “American Psycho” resurfaced and became a huge sensation for teenage boys. According to Movie Web, the film can be viewed as a clinical study of the male ego. Although the movie was set as a satire against the male ego, many teenage boys have failed to realize that due to the popularity and glorification of toxic masculinity because of its tie with the “sigma male.” 

     In the film “American Psycho,” the main character, Patric Bateman, carries all of the traits that adolescent boys tend to be obsessed with. The movie follows Bateman and his fascination with violence and his need for dominance. Because Bateman is shallow and insensitive, many boys watching the movie have become obsessed with him because they hope to gain those same traits. As stated in an article by Vice Magazine, “American Psycho,” along with “Fight Club” and “The Wolf of Wall Street,” became watermarks for the identity young men have adopted.

         Through social media, toxic masculinity continues to affect teenage boys. On TikTok, a trend referred to as the “I hate my girlfriend trend,” influences teen boys to make a video including a caption demonstrating the internal hatred they might have for their girlfriend. The trend influences hatred towards women and demonstrates a sense of misogyny, which is a result of toxic masculinity. 

     Young men learn about the traditions of being masculine through their own homes, these traditions continue to live on in today’s society. Regardless of social standards, it is crucial to seek and accept help when needed. It is key to be comfortable with oneself disregarding the “norm.” Toxic masculinity needs to be recognized and be put to an end in order to benefit society altogether.