The next generation opens up about their views on masculinity and social media
What do young people think about the world? How are their attitudes towards masculinity or social media changing? A cross-section of young Aussies share their insights on what it’s like growing up today.
It’s always been easy to look down on the next generation. They’re too lazy, too entitled, too obsessed with TikTok. But it turns out young people’s reputation for being grouped as social-media obsessives may be somewhat unfair.
GQ Australia sat down with a group of young people to better understand what it is like growing up in Australia today. Many of them talked about the importance of physical and mental health among their friends. But they also discussed how they feel more open to talking about their emotions and less pressure to conform to a certain idea of masculinity.
“These days there is heaps of support for everyone to express their feelings,” says 18-year-old Lewis, of how he thinks things have changed from previous generations. “I feel like there is a lot less stigma.”
For some, the concept of the stereotypical Aussie larrikin is also shifting. “I’d say it’s someone who is strong minded but also caring at the same time,” says 20-year-old student, Rohan, of what masculinity means today. “Someone who is goes out of their way to do the best that they can do, but who also looks after others.”
On the whole, they’re hopeful, even if the world feels slightly uncertain. And as for social media?
“It has its pros and cons,” says 20-year-old student and coach, Alex. “It allows you to see the world, connect with people from everywhere. But then it also comes with comparing yourself and seeing what you are missing out on.”
“It is very much about your mindset,” adds his friend and fellow soccer player, Yassin, who is also a student and hospital assistant. “I think I am in a state now where I don’t try to compare myself too much with others. I understand it’s not always, like, grounded reality.” So the good news is, the future seems to be in safe hands. The bad news for some of you: apparently crop tops are out.
Read ahead for the next generation’s candid responses to being asked how they feel the world is shaping up to look in the future.
Isaias, 22, and Elias, eight months
Do you find it easy to talk to your mates about your feelings?
Yes, I’d say I’m pretty straight up. I am pretty open with what is going on in my life.
There’s no stigma there?
Nah, everyone has bad days, so hiding it is probably the problem. I don’t see nothing wrong with having a shitty day. It’s normal.
What is the best thing about being a dad?
There’s so many but being able to hold my son and call him mine, to love and hug this little human being that God has blessed me with. Watching him be in his own world, grabbing what he can, putting what he can into his mouth. So unbothered, so at peace, so curious, so nosy. It’s the best.
Who is your greatest role model?
Jesus.
Mabok, 19
How would you describe your fashion sense?
My personal style is pretty basic, like I just rock basic fashion such as jorts and a shirt.
Are there any people whose style your really like?
I really like [Canadian NBA player] Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s style because it is unique and outgoing.
What’s your proudest moment, so far?
Probably graduating high school.
Who do you find most inspiring in life?
I find LeBron James most inspirational, as he pushes me to be better every day in life and in sports.
William, 23
What do you enjoy about being outdoors?
Being able to connect with nature. Every time I am outdoors, I am always riding horses, being with my dogs. Growing up in the country, it’s always about being with animals.
What’s the best thing about living in Australia?
The carefree culture of being able to be who you are and wear what you want and go anywhere and not have to worry about what other people think. I feel accepted wherever I go.
Do you think men are more open about their feelings these days?
Definitely. I think it was like an old thing to shelter yourself away and not speak about how you feel, and these days it’s become more acceptable as men to wear what you want and say what you want, and that is a huge step forward.
Jesse, 18
“A little bit,” says Jesse, when asked if he feels pressure to fit a certain idea of masculinity. “I went to an all-boys school so you know, the culture there is sort of men.”
Patrick, 18
Patrick thinks this generation has it easier than the previous, thanks to access to technology. “That is definitely a big gap between our generation and our parents,” he says. “They didn’t have any social media or anything like that, so I feel like it was a lot harder for them.”
Lewis, 18
“There was a lot of stigma back then,” adds Lewis, “and a lot of, like people should, like us men, should not express their feelings and we should be the ones to do everything, bring the money into the family. I feel like my generation is a whole different generation. Men can express their feelings however they want and however they need to.” As for the fashion trend they could do without? “I’d have to say the crop tops,” offers Lewis. “I don’t like them!”
Cody, 27
How important is mental health to you and your friends?
Extremely important, and I feel lucky enough to be surrounded by a lot of people [who] will check in and be like, “Hey, you don’t seem like yourself. Are you OK?”. That shows that the community you surround yourself with is genuine because they can tell if you are struggling or not.
What advice would you give your younger self?
To keep doing what you are doing, to stay persistent, to keep that sense of playfulness, of youthfulness. And even though the world is heavy and there are a lot of difficult things, you do have the strength to get through it.
Atoug, 19
How important is health and fitness to you?
It is really important to me, I feel like it has shaped me, from like, such a young age; that’s who I am and mentally I feel like it has helped me a lot.
What do you think older people get wrong about your generation?
That’s a good question. That we’re pretty indecisive or something like that. But I just feel like we are more free to do what we like and not feel held back.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Hopefully still doing what I enjoy and still enjoying being fit and healthy and just, hopefully I have reached a point where I am able to just freely continue to live a healthy, free life.
Charles, 18
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
I was once told by my parents that I am going to make a lot of mistakes in my life but just don’t make massive ones.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Being a successful business owner, living on the land.
What do you like most about Australia?
Definitely the laid-back vibe. People are super chill and there’s no rush to do things — it’s all about enjoying life
How would you describe yourself in three words?
Athletic, energetic and curious.
Sam, 26
How important is diet and staying in shape for you?
It’s super important. It’s a very social thing to me.
How do you get motivated on days when you don’t feel like working out?
I recently got more into listening to my body and on those days, actually taking a break because in the past I’ve always just overcooked myself and done more than I needed to.
Aarash, 19
Do you feel pressure to live up to a certain idea of masculinity?
Not really to be honest. I don’t think there is much pressure.
What keeps you up at night?
Achieving the goals that I have set up for myself.
You put pressure on yourself?
Yeah. I am trying to reach my potential. That is my biggest fear, not being able to reach my potential.
What’s your favourite thing about living in Australia?
My favourite thing about living in Australia would be the countless opportunities that I have here.
Adrienn, 21
What worries you the most about the future?
Not succeeding. I have a quite-difficult degree at university and I feel like I owe it to a lot of people to continue my line of work, which is becoming a chiropractor. I feel like the pressure can get to me sometimes but it is about staying focused, above everything.
What do you do to cheer yourself up when you are feeling down?
Probably see my missus, to be honest with you. We have been together for quite a while so I really enjoy spending time with her. And besides that, going out for a couple of drinks isn’t too bad as well.
Louie, 35, and Max, 24
“Number One is kindness and understanding,” says Louie (left), a media director from Sydney, of the qualities he most admires in others. “I feel like you come across that less and less. “I started a medical transition at 30 and that is relatively old for a trans person. But it’s something that I learned not to be scared of because the people that I have in my life who I love and who love me, we are all just ourselves and we support one another. It’s about that ability to take care of one another.” As for whether it’s easier to be a young person today? “From a physical safety and accessibility-of- knowledge standpoint, it’s probably easier now,” says Max (right). “People are sharing their experiences more and so they are a bit more empathetic and open to understanding the world.”
Production credits:
Photographs by Rob Tennent
Styling by Harriet Crawford
Interviews by Charlotte Rose
Hair for Isaias, Elias, Mabok, Jesse, Patrick, Lewis, Cody, Atoug, and Aarash by Kyye
Hair for William, Charles, Sam, Louie, and Max by Georgia Ramman
Grooming by Sean Brady
Art direction by Giuseppe Santamaria
This story is from the March issue of GQ Australia.
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