Many parents have specific concerns when it comes to their sons and the internet, with access to explicit imagery and sextortion often topping the list. But researchers have been examining a different sort of material that is affecting tween and teen boys: It’s called “digital masculinity” content — messages about making money, building muscle, using weapons and attracting women, among other things — and a new study reveals the extent to which boys are encountering it during a critical period of their development.

The study, published Wednesday by Common Sense Media, found that a majority of boys are regularly seeing this type of content online and that boys with the highest levels of exposure to it are more likely to experience loneliness and lower self-esteem. Advertisement

The study

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