New Report Reveals How Online Experiences Inform Adolescent Boys’ Development

SAN FRANCISCO, October 8, 2025 — Common Sense Media today released new research into how boys' online habits relate to their identities, self-esteem, and development. According to the report, "Boys in the Digital Wild: Online Culture, Identity, and Well-Being," nearly three-quarters of boys ages 11-17 regularly encounter masculinity-related online material that can include messages about making money, relationships, building muscle, and fighting. Over two-thirds of boys regularly see material that promotes problematic gender roles.

In compiling this report, Common Sense Media surveyed more than 1,000 adolescent boys across the country. The research reveals that while most boys have healthy self-esteem, those exposed to a high volume of masculinity-related posts struggle more with self esteem. Further, boys with high exposure to this material are significantly more likely to feel lonely, suppress their emotions, and avoid vulnerability. Nearly half of boys believe they must follow "unwritten rules," like not crying or showing fear, to avoid being teased or picked on.

"Adolescence is a time for self-discovery, and for boys today, a lot of that happens online," said Common Sense Media Founder and CEO James P. Steyer. "Online platforms and gaming provide a sense of belonging for many boys, and influencers have emerged as significant sources of guidance and emotional support during this formative period. However, boys are also seeing a lot of posts about everything from building wealth and muscle to dating and relationships to fighting and weapons, with many seeing material that reinforces outdated gender stereotypes. Importantly, boys' lives aren't all online, and parental support remains vital for their self-esteem and development."

The report's other key findings include:

• Ninety-one percent of boys encounter body image messages online, with three-quarters of boys exposed to online material about being muscular. Nearly one in four say social media makes them feel like they should change the way they look, and boys exposed to more masculinity-related posts were more than four times as likely than those with low exposure to say social media makes them feel they should change how they look.
• Adolescent boys live and connect online, with 94 percent using social media or playing online games daily. For more than half of boys, digital platforms and gaming make them feel like they belong.
• While most boys find a sense of belonging in gaming, 70 percent observe bullying or harassment and more than half hear racist, homophobic, or misogynistic language.
• Algorithms, not user intent, are the primary driver of boys' exposure to posts about masculinity. 68 percent of boys who see such material online say it started showing up in their feed without them searching for it.
• Influencers have emerged as significant sources of guidance and emotional support for adolescent boys. Sixty percent of boys find influencers inspirational, and 56 percent report receiving practical advice from them.
• Real-world relationships are crucial for boys' mental health and self-esteem. Most boys report having multiple people they could turn to in a tough situation: 68 percent have two or more people they could connect with, 24 percent have one person to connect with, while only 8 percent report having no one to turn to for support.

Common Sense Media's research reveals a multifaceted digital landscape where traditional adolescent identity formation intersects with evolving online influences. The findings paint a nuanced picture of how boys adolescence online while maintaining meaningful human connections.

As adolescence grows increasingly digital, online experiences shape how boys see themselves and the world around them. While some of these experiences provide a sense of community for boys, others can be confusing and, at times, concerning. Two-thirds of boys didn't search for these posts in the first place.

Despite the outsized role of online experiences in boys, development, real-world relationships remain vital. During difficult times, parents are boys' first choice for support.

Read the full report here.

About Common Sense Media

Common Sense Media is dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive. Our ratings, research, and resources reach more than 150 million users worldwide and 1.4 million educators every year. Learn more at commonsense.org.