Social media comprises many platforms, which adolescents use in different ways at different times. Personal experiences, pre-existing attitudes, social context, and platform design all play pivotal roles in influencing boys' perspectives towards gender norms.

The report synthesises available evidence on the impact of social media use on gender norms among adolescent boys. Rather than framing social media as a risk in general, it is helpful to focus on both the dangers and the positive potential of particular kinds of use in a specific context. It then presents a framework for thinking about the potential sources of risk and thus entry points for mitigating harm and reinforcing positive effects.

Based on the evidence outlined in the report, the briefing outlines a set of recommendations for policy-makers and civil society actors, aiming to support positive gender norms among boys on social media.

Key messages:

• Many factors influence the impact of boys’ social media engagement on their attitudes to gender equality.
• Platforms allowing users to be anonymous or offer options for disappearing content enable adolescents to express themselves more freely.
• Some evidence suggests there are links between some discriminatory gender norms among adolescent boys and young men, and social media use. But, there is not a simple ‘cause and effect’ relationship. Adolescents may select or be shown content that reflects their pre-existing interests and attitudes. The norms and attitudes they encounter at home, at school or elsewhere in their communities are also an important influence.

To support positive gender norms among boys on social media, policy-makers should seek to:

• increase platforms’ responsibilities in moderating misogynistic content
• invest in supportive offline environments for adolescent boys
• create safe online spaces for young people; and
• invest in critical media and digital literacy skills education for young people.