jugendschutz.net Insights: Extreme Images of Masculinity on Social Media

“We need real men again”—as a supposed solution to all the challenges of our time, extreme images of masculinity are experiencing a resurgence on social media. These “real men” are supposedly supposed to be strong, dominant, and successful. Boys and young men are expected to build up their bodies and follow questionable diet, beauty, and lifestyle tips in order to achieve supposed—and often unrealistic—ideals of beauty. Closely linked to this “self-enhancement” is the sometimes massive devaluation of certain groups—primarily women and queer people—in order to elevate oneself above them. Hypermasculinity also serves as a direct link to hegemonic worldviews in extremist ideologies and their militaristic notions of masculinity: one’s own body becomes a weapon directed against the “enemy.”

As part of the “insights” series, findings from ongoing monitoring and past and current research by jugendschutz.net on extreme images of masculinity in social media will be shared. The online event is taking place in cooperation with the Rhineland-Palatinate State Agency for Political Education.

Mon., Aug. 31, 2026 (11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. via Zoom)
jugendschutz.net Insights: “Extreme Models of Masculinity on Social Media”
Registration: by Aug. 28, 2026

The event is aimed at professionals and interested individuals; participation is free, but space is limited. (Please note the information regarding data protection. )