What, to misquote Monty Python, has the internet ever done for us?
Information, communication, entertainment, banking, shopping, video calls with distant relatives, an endless library of knowledge at our disposal at the click of a mouse or, or even a word to a smart speaker. At first glance, it may seem hard to argue that the internet is anything but a force for good.
Of course, the truth is a bit more complicated than that. The rise of social media has led to a new virtual landscape of Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and many other places where we interact with people we will never meet in person, with a freedom to say whatever we want with little chance of censorship and without having to look the other guy in the eye. The result? A wild west of polarised views, intolerance, aggression, intimidation, and bullying.
At the same time, a natural tendency to present one’s own life as positively as possible – to only share all the best bits – can result in a distorted view of the lives of others, leading to unrealistic expectations of ourselves, fuelling insecurity, envy and reduced self-esteem.
Of course, these risks apply to everyone, but during Men’s Health Week we consider the particular challenges internet use poses for men.
These can start with the very definition of “manliness” or masculinity. Some commentators point to a prevalence of material on social media which promotes a so-called hegemonic masculinity, characterised by promotion of values such as stoicism, strength, and risk-taking behaviours as attributes of “real men”. This can lead not only to insecurity and anxiety over whether one measures up to these values but can also influence how likely men are to seek help when they are struggling with their health, whether mental or physical.
On the other hand, promotion of these types of values has also been widely criticised under the term “toxic masculinity”, which carries comparable risks of alienation and exclusion of men who do conform to these values.
Internet addiction
Another health risk of internet use is internet addiction. Internet addiction is a compulsive and excessive use of the internet that interferes with one’s daily life, work, relationships, and well-being. Internet addiction can affect anyone, but some studies suggest that men are more prone to it than women. Some of the factors that contribute to internet addiction are the availability and accessibility of the internet, the variety and novelty of online content, the gratification and reward that the internet provides, and the escape and distraction that the internet offers from stress or boredom.
Internet addiction has been linked to serious mental health effects, such as depression, anxiety, insomnia, low mood, irritability, and suicidal thoughts. Internet over use can also contribute to physical health problems, such as obesity, diabetes, eye strain, headaches, back pain, and cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, internet addiction can impair one’s social skills, communication, empathy, and intimacy.
Specific forms of internet addiction known to be particularly harmful include online pornography and online gambling.
The internet can be a valuable resource for men’s health if used in a healthy and responsible way. Here are some tips on how to use the internet for health in a healthy way:
- Limit your internet use to a reasonable amount of time per day. Set boundaries and goals for yourself and stick to them. Use apps or tools that can help you monitor or block your internet usage if needed.
- Be selective and critical about the information and sources that you access online. Not everything that you see or read online is true or reliable. Check the credibility and validity of the information and sources before trusting or following them. Look for reputable and evidence-based websites or organizations that provide accurate and up-to-date information on men’s health issues.
- Seek professional help or support if you have any health concerns or problems. Do not rely solely on the internet for diagnosis or treatment. The internet can provide you with general information or guidance, but it cannot replace the expertise and care of a qualified health professional. If you have any symptoms or signs of a health problem, consult your doctor or a health service as soon as possible.
- Use the internet to connect with others who share your interests or experiences. The internet can offer you a sense of community and belonging, as well as support and advice from others who understand what you are going through. However, do not let the internet replace your real-life social interactions and relationships. Make sure that you also maintain a balance between your online and offline social activities.
- Use the internet to enhance your health and well-being. The internet can offer you many opportunities and resources to improve your health and well-being. For example, you can use the internet to learn new skills, hobbies, or languages, to find new ways to exercise or relax, to discover new places or cultures, to access online courses or programs, or to express your creativity or talents.
You can find more information on addressing specific problems related to internet use, and on how to build a healthy relationship with this incredible technology, by checking out the Men’s Health Forum pages for Men’s Health Week.