Men’s Health and the Internet: An Uncomfortable Truth

This week marks Men’s Health Week 2023 – a week dedicated to spotlighting health concerns, both mental and physical, which disproportionately impact men. This year’s theme is ‘Men’s Health and the Internet’, and what better way to commemorate the Internet’s 40th year of existence than to consider its dangers and the power it holds over many of us.

The smartphone users among us will be familiar with the weekly Screen Time roundups, which break down your phone usage from the previous week (think a less Insta-friendly, more panic-inducing version of Spotify Wrapped). With countless games, immediate access to friends and loved ones, and the entire history of human thought at our fingertips, it can often be difficult to remind ourselves that instant gratification can come at a price, and leaves many of us over-reliant on these devices. Phones and the internet have become as much of a crutch for passing the time and filling the empty spaces, as they are a tool for fostering meaningful and fulfilling interactions.

Studies have found that men report lower levels of life satisfaction than women and, despite this, men make up only 36% of NHS therapy referrals. Whilst I’m a strong advocate for therapy and counselling, I’m aware of the many barriers which men often impose on themselves when it comes to asking for help. It’s therefore essential to familiarise yourself with the habits which can be a help or a hindrance to your mental health. Restricting smartphone usage and overall internet consumption is always near the top of my list when I feel like a change is needed. That could be going for a walk and leaving your phone at home, or even just eating a meal in silence, without having the TV on. More often than not, being alone with your thoughts isn’t so bad, and it can feel great to break away from that pattern of constant overstimulation. The next time you reach for your phone on a whim, ask yourself “Why?”.

If you’d like to learn more about finding support or would like to donate to a charitable cause, you can do so here: https://www.mind.org.uk/

Authored by Shaicir Mincher, Account Coordinator