In today’s digital era, social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook have become an integral part of everyone’s daily life, especially among younger men, with studies showing that males in the 18-34 age group are more active on social media as compared to older men. In India, as of early 2024, 68.6 per cent of social media users were male, highlighting a significant penetration rate among men in the country, as per Data Reportal’s Digital 2024 report.

While social media offers many benefits, such as staying connected, it also plays a significant role in shaping body image perceptions, many times in harmful ways. Men are under more pressure to meet these norms as a result of fitness culture, influencers, and celebrities who display idealised images of the male body. Poor body image is often associated with unhealthy behaviours that lead to various issues, like eating disorders. Studies show that around one-third of people who deal with eating disorders are male, although this number is likely underreported, as many men experiencing eating disorders delay or avoid seeking help. (Better Health, 2023)