Why So Many Teen Boys Are Getting Their Life Advice From TikTok ‘Alpha' Influencers

With the rise of 'tradwife' content on TikTok — romanticizing women staying at home and sticking to traditional gender roles — another worrying trend has popped up. Teen boys are turning to 'masculinity' or 'alpha' male influencers for life advice, from fitness to dating and money, and it's affecting their mental health.
Movember conducted a survey of over 3,000 young men aged 16-25 across the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia about their viewing habits with these masculinity influencers. (Think: gym bros, hustle culture, Andrew Tate-adjacent men.) The study found nearly two-thirds of young men (63 percent) are regularly engaging with men and masculinity influencers. This is no longer a fringe sub-culture or for 'incels' — a term for bitter men who call themselves involuntary celibates — it's becoming the mainstream type of content they see on TikTok, YouTube, and other forms of social media.
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The content they were consuming revolved around a wide range of topics, including fitness, financial success, and relationships. Many reported following the influencers for entertainment, motivation, and inspiration purposes, and they reported 'frequently acting upon influencers' advice.'
And while the teens and young men who watched these videos felt 'more optimistic about their personal circumstances and the social circumstances of men in the future,' they are also more likely to report 'worse mental health outcomes, a reduced willingness to prioritize their mental health, and higher rates of risky health behaviors.'
The young men watching this type of content reported 'significantly higher levels of worthlessness (27% vs. 23%), nervousness (26% vs. 19%) and sadness (26% vs. 19%)' compared to young men who weren't actively following these influencers.
It's no surprise that its affecting boys mentally. After all, the influencers are preaching self-reliance and emotional control as norms for men; negative and limiting attitudes towards women and their roles in relationships; and prioritizing friends with ambition, popularity and wealth as opposed those with trust and kindness.
Research has shown that Gen Z is lonelier than other generations too, and this could be one reason why. Dr. Laura Erickson-Schroth, chief medical officer at The Jed Foundation (JED), a teen emotional health and suicide prevention nonprofit, previously told SheKnows, 'Teen boys face stigma and societal expectations when it comes to emotional vulnerability. They're discouraged from reaching out to form closer connections or seeking help when they need it.'
The findings from this Movember report match what other studies have shown: that boys are increasingly following traditional gender roles. A 2024 International Women's Day poll by Ipsos found that nearly half of American men (47 percent) think men are expected to do too much to support gender equality and that gender equality has gone too far and is hurting men (47 percent).
'When you're a teenage boy, you're looking for an answer to what being a man means,' one 18-year-old told SheKnows as part of its Be a Man project. 'And one thing about Andrew Tate, I think his counterculture movement is very attractive to teen boys because no responsible parent figure is going to find Andre Tate to be a good role model. So maybe that's why it's so compelling.'
As a boy mom, I've made it my mission to ensure my sons view women equally, paint their nails if they want to, and treat everyone with kindness and compassion. But is my influence going to be enough to outweigh the harmful ideologies that alpha male TikTok creators are pushing down boys' throats every day? I still have several years until my boys are teens, but I want to help them avoid these toxic ideologies now.
Ruth Whippman, author of BoyMom: Reimagining Boyhood in the Age of Impossible Masculinity, previously told SheKnows that parents need to ensure they aren't neglecting their sons emotionally.
'We don't tend to their emotional needs in the same way that we tend to girls,' she said, adding, 'Even from earliest babyhood, we handle them in a different way. We jiggle them and wrestle with them and handle them really physically, but we don't give them the same level of caretaking — that more nurturing touch. So in some ways boys benefit from this system, and we don't hold them accountable in the same way, but in other ways, they're really losing out.'
She continued, 'Right from the beginning, we kind of socialize boys away from connection and away from intimacy. … We engage with them in a different way. Things that get marketed to boys tend to be about fighting and combat, rather than cooperation, communication, relation, or learning. And so it's there's a real lack of role models for boys to see themselves in those kinds of roles in any complex way.'
So what do we do? Whippman suggests being sure 'to engage with boys in more emotional ways, to see them as emotionally complex and in need of emotionally complex nurturing. Boys are every bit as emotionally complex as girls are, and we should engage with them in that way.'
You can try to limit or prevent the type of content your teens and young sons are looking at, but more importantly, talking to them, encouraging them to be emotionally vulnerable, and having these broader conversations around what it means to be 'masculine' is even more important.Best of SheKnows
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5 hours ago

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43 Products For Anyone In Their Thirties Who Gets Their ~Thrills~ By Saving Money

A tinted lip balm so close to the same magic as "Black Honey," TikTok's beloved $25 ~universal shade~ from Clinique, that it will genuinely startle you — especially when you see the price. This is a perfect, non-sticky "go-to" lippie that's just a step above the "no makeup makeup" look, giving the perfect subtly polished effect. A "spray and go" enzyme-based laundry stain remover that works its magic in one wash to help you instantly get rid of all that discolored dried sweat, oil stains, or deodorant residue on your favorite clothes, so you don't have to spend big money replacing them when the Stain Fairy lays her curse. A delightfully affordable instant foot peeling spray so you can go full YEEHAW!! on an at-home pedicure without the big salon price tag. This not only helps gently remove dead skin, but moisturizes dry and cracked heels, so you'll really get some refreshing bang for your buck. A cute lil' insect catcher you can set in a plant or near your fruit bowl or compost to deal with any unwanted fluttering guests. These odorless sticky traps are designed to work indoors and outdoors and will stop fruit flies, gnats, mosquitoes, and more — without the high price tag of the electronic or liquid versions. An airtight Deli ProKeeper so beloved that it's gone viral on FridgeTok (if you know, you KNOW). Not only does this free up space and clutter in the fridge, but it keeps deli meat and cheese so fresh that you'll actually get your darn money's worth by preventing waste. And a hybrid berry basket and colander designed not just to make cleaning your fruit way easier, but to keep your fruit fresh for as long as possible, so you can snack on your farmer's market haul without racing the clock. A cult-favorite Creamy Coconut fragrance rollerball reviewers compare to the pricey Sol de Janeiro version 👀☀️ . This is from TikTok-famous small business brand Kuumba Made, known for its luxury scents at ridiculously affordable prices, so you know they're on their game — reviewers especially love how ~beachy~ and long-lasting this sweet but elevated fragrance feels and how nicely it plays with other scents! Catrice "Instant Awake" Under Eye Brightener, which will be your holy grail for concealing and brightening dark circles under your eyes when your summer schedule is throwing you for a loop. This lightweight, color-adapting formula is designed for truly ~invisible~ coverage that makes a drastic difference — one that a lot of reviewers compare to the $33 Becca version. A set of Victoria's Secret–inspired seamless "invisible" underwear so soft and stretchy your butt will want to *sing* when you slide them on. This is a true holy grail underwear that doesn't show, doesn't ride up, and somehow manages to look cute all at the same time. The Pink Stuff's new "Sqeezy" sponge set, which is living up to its "miracle" catchphrase by helping reviewers with their toughest cleaning projects, like grimy pans, mildewed showers, and marked-up walls. If you aren't already in the cult of Pink Stuff cleaning paste, it's so good at its job that reviewers call it "gold in a jar" and "witchcraft." This is the perfect alternative to pricey paint jobs and replacing cookware! Mise En Scene Perfect Serum, a beloved K-beauty staple reviewers compare to the $46 Gisou version for MEGA hair hydration and heat protection up to 450 degrees, so you can style your hair without sacrificing on ✨shine✨. This unique blend of seven-oil blend Moroccan argan, olive, coconut, apricot, Marula, jojoba, and camellia oil not only protects hair, but helps correct damage from dryness, *and* reduces drying time. An affordable, Lululemon-esque longline sports bra just as comfy, supportive, and versatile as the real thing that reviewers love it both for outdoor workouts, gym use, *and* errand running. This is designed to be supportive without being too compressive, with lightweight fabric that keeps you breezy in the heat. A super effective and strangely whimsical foaming drain cleaner for anyone who simply does not want to see another expensive plumber this year. This gentle but powerful foam pulls up gunk and cleans out drains in sinks, bathtubs, and floor drains, helping prevent plumbing issues and making everything smell ~squeaky clean~. Eos' Shea Butter Vanilla Cashmere body lotion, which TikTok is going *feral* over both because of the lightweight, long-lasting moisture, and the soothing, delicious smell that reviewers compare to more expensive brands like Philosophy and Bath & Body Works. A set of Bala Bangle-inspired wrist and ankle weights to get your ~fitness~ on this summer — these serve all the same cuteness and function without the $55 price tag. Not to mention this has a TON more colors available to match your 'fits. A shockingly affordable "Glow Up!" Vitamin C Face Serum that packs a punch as powerful as the $30+ versions — reviewers swear by this for reducing dark spots, brightening skin, restoring tone, and giving skin a more radiant, firm look. This particular serum's secret is the 3-O Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, which helps boost ~radiance~, in addition to the hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and vitamin E to help with hydration. Oxo's compact Cold Brew Rapid Brewer to make cold brew in FIVE MINUTES (!!) with results so quick and delicious that reviewers love it more than their beloved Aeropresses (and even call it "Aeropress 2.0"). Not only is it faster than comparable models, but it's cheaper, entirely portable, and doesn't need to be charged or plugged in. 🤯 You're going to be swimming in a RIVER of delicious, affordable cold brew with this gizmo. A set of golden bracelets giving ~quiet luxury~ vibes at "I want to pay rent this month" prices. Reviewers especially love these mix-and-match sets because they look like expensive versions from Cartier — the middle one is giving the $8,000 "Juste Un Clou" and the studded one is giving the $6,000 "Love Bracelet!" A 52-week tear-off meal planning pad with space to plan all your meals in advance, plus a weekly shopping list you can grab and take to the store with you to keep yourself on track for your budget goals. (Unless there's a new flavor of Oreo to try, in which case, ABANDON BUDGET SHIP.) Jergens Natural Glow Firming Self Tanner Body Lotion to give you a gradual-building, vacation-worthy ~sunkissed glow~ over the course of just a few days. Not only is this easy peasy to apply compared to other finickier, streaking lotions, but it's formulated with collagen and elastin to help your skin appear firmer *and* glowier, and a HECK of a lot cheaper than its competitors. A set of darling reusable Swedish dishcloths that can be washed up to 50 times in the dishwasher, and are designed to replace 17 (!!) rolls of paper towels each. These are strong enough to tackle tough stains and grime, but gentle enough that they won't scratch cookware or hurt your skin. A bottle of Elizavecca hair treatment, an Olaplex-like repairing mask infused with collagen ingredients and protein extracts that will help restore hair health and reduce shedding. All you gotta do is apply it on wet hair after a shampoo, wait five minutes, and rinse it out. A lawn dog spot repair treatment to help your grass look as spiffy and green as it did before Fido decided to mark their territory by peeing in the same parched spots over ... and over ........ and over again. Reviewers notice results within *days* (and your bank account will weep in relief that you didn't hire lawn professionals to do it). A ribbed button up tank top with some real Abercrombie & Fitch energy to perfectly straddle that line of "professional" and "I am 100000% going out after work today, and a martini glass will be involved." A set of spicy margarita instant cocktail tea bags — all the sophistication of tea and the 😜 of a cheeky cocktail, without the exorbitant bar price tags or the sugar crash. All you have to do is add three ounces of cold water, 1.5 ounces of hard liquor, and the tea sachet into a glass, and you'll have a delicious cocktail in one minute. A Lululemon-inspired mini wristlet wallet set that looks just like their $50 version, and also easily holds cash, cards, and lip balms, so you don't have to deal with the whole muss and fuss of a purse if you're going on a walk around the neighborhood. Plus, you know what they say — keep your friends close and your beloved lippies closer. A magnetic air fryer cheat sheet to help minimize effort and maximize deliciousness so you can get dinner on the table as quickly (and cheaply!!) as possible. The takeout delivery driver will miss you. 👋 A Bentgo stackable lunch container perfect for commuters who want to get back in the groove of bringing cheaper lunches from home again — this right here is a perfect leakproof, sturdy option for your mobile salad/charcuterie/"girl dinner" situations. It's also nice and deep for mixing salads, has an upper compartment to keep your other ingredients separate, *and* a container for dressing. E.l.f. Glow Reviver Melting Lip Balm for all the ultra fans of Summer Fridays, Rhode, and Laneige whose bank accounts are begging them to put a stop to the lippie madness. These new deliciously tinted, moisturizing, buildable glosses are just as buttery and decadent as the balms that inspired them, for a fraction of the price. (Brb, drowning myself in the "Strawberry Shortcake" and "Vanilla Toffee" flavors.) A reviewer-beloved veggie chopper that'll get you uniform, oh-so-satisfyingly cut veggies instead of buying the expensive precut ones at the store. This gadget juliennes, chops, spiralizes, and slices vegetables in an instant and has a built-in storage container to hold the chopped veggies so you can pour them into a pan or dish without any mess. A set of Bottle Bright tablets so you can tackle all the sludge caked on your automatic kettle, coffee maker, or favorite ceramic mugs instead of replacing them for a pretty penny. An Anthropologie-inspired reversible quilted throw blanket you can get in all kinds of fun, lively sprints that will startle your boring couch into having a personality, or give your bed a *much* needed reset. A reusable microfiber Swiffer mop pad that reviewers love not only because it's ready for action again right after a wash cycle, but because it picks up a ton more dirt, gunk, and debris than the disposable mops do, *and* it's a heck of a lot cheaper than stocking up on the one-use versions over time. A bar soap bag, which is the ultimate hack not just to exfoliate your skin with your favorite bar soaps, but to *really* get your money's worth out of them — these produce much richer lather so a little goes a loooong way, and you won't have to replace your bars as often. A bottle of Angry Orange pet odor eliminator that's working OVERTIME on preventing you from replacing your carpets — not only does this vanish the evidence of pet-related stains and odors, but it leaves the area smelling so nice that you'll be like, "Um, is this my new signature perfume??" Extremely bonus: it also deters pets from peeing, so if there's a ~hot spot~ your doggo loves to frequent, this ought to curb the habit. A jewelry-cleaning stick with cleansing solution on a brush designed specifically to get in the nooks and crannies of your jewelry, so you can dig out all the grime that's accumulated over the years on the cheap instead of taking it to the jeweler. An egg bite maker so you can flex on Starbucks and Costco and all the other places where you're paying top dollar for fresh or frozen egg bites by — gasp?? — customizing and making your own for cheap. Bonus: you can take the silicone molds off of it and use it as a regular grill for sandwiches! A roll of clear heavy-duty double-sided removable tape, which did NOT come here to play — people use this for everything from mounting wall hangings and electronics to securing their vases and glass objects to tables to keeping their rugs in place. It's also easily removable and leaves no residue behind! A bottle of wood polish that will make all your scuffed-up cabinets and hardwood floors look brand spanking new in mere seconds, even if you're pretty sure the damage is older than you are. A TubShroom, a little gizmo you can stick in your shower drain to catch all your hair before it clogs up your pipes and you have to call a professional. The hair coils around it to make it even easier to remove, making it both handy *and* semi-horrifying! A set of universal reusable K-cup pods so not only will you cut down on expensive pods and environmental waste, but you can get reeeeal picky about exactly what blends you're brewing into your beloved cuppa every morning. We are all officially getting too old not to have Annoyingly Specific Coffee Preferences, and this is here to help us on that journey. A two-stage knife sharpener, because those blades you bought back in the day?? They're probably super dull by now. Instead of replacing them with pricey versions, ~refresh~ them with this. An insulated soundproofing strip that easily sticks to the outer rims of your door — this not only gives you some much-needed peace and quiet between apartment walls, but also saves you money by preserving your heat in the winter and your AC in the summer.

Yahoo

9 hours ago

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I tested the TikTok-famous heatless hair curler — and it's under $20 ahead of Prime Day (but hurry!)

I don't know about you, but I'm sick of my same old hairdos. I recently wanted to try out a new way to achieve bouncy curls without all the heat damage. After stumbling upon various heatless curl methods on TikTok (some involving socks), the Kitsch Satin Heatless Curler Set caught my eye. I figured it was an affordable and approachable option to get gorgeous curls overnight. I put it to the test to see if it's really worth the hype, and honestly, I was impressed. No heat, no damage — just frizz-free curls that actually last. Lucky for you, it currently rings in at under $20 on Amazon Canada ahead of Prime Day 2025 — but hurry, this Lightning Deal won't last for long. Keep scrolling to dive into my full review. This heatless curler has saved my hair from excessive heat damage — all for under $25. If you want to achieve voluminous curls without the added heat damage, this Kitsch Satin Hair Curling Set is a great solution. It's made from smooth satin and is designed to create flawless curls (or waves) overnight. It's suitable for most hair types and comes with a curling rod and two satin scrunchies to keep your hair smooth and frizz-free. It's seriously simple to use; all you have to do is wrap your hair around the rod, secure it, and wake up to a stunning 'do. I think it's a fabulous gift for anyone looking to protect their hair while still getting salon-level results. Heatless: I love it when something gives me great hair results without added heat. This heatless curler gives me great curls overnight, and I don't even need to touch them up with a curling wand. Satin material: The satin material allows for a frizz-free finish; however, I find if there ever is some frizz, it's a result of me sleeping aggressively (and that's not the product's fault — just my own). Various curl sizes: I've come to learn that I can control the size of my curls with this set. If I want looser curls (which I usually opt for), I grab more hair when wrapping it around the rod. On the other hand, if I want smaller, tighter curls, I just make the sections smaller. Takes very little effort: Arguably, the best part? This heatless method requires very minimal effort for great results. It takes me about five minutes to set it all up and head off to bed. Lasting results: Everyone's results will differ depending on their hair type and texture, but for me, I find the hairstyle actually lasts for a couple of days. Yes, the curls fall out a bit, but I actually like it better after a day or two. Short rod: My hair is fairly long, so I find the rod to be on the shorter side. This means I have to wrap my hair on top of itself in order for it all to fit. It can get a bit crowded, whereas a longer rod would help. Slightly uncomfortable: When it comes to snoozing, I am primarily a side sleeper, meaning this setup can get in my way — as I'm sure you can imagine. Thankfully, the set is squishy, so it's not horrible; it just takes some getting used to. ⭐️ 4.2/5 stars 💬 24,900+ ratings 🏆 "Honestly mind blown on how well this product works!" "Best heatless curler I have found!" writes one impressed shopper. After trying "several different iterations of heatless curl rods," they said, "This is definitely my favourite." They added that they find them "comfortable enough to sleep in." Someone else even claimed their hair "stays curled better with this product than an actual curling iron." "I don't find it bad to sleep on at all," they continued. "This product does what it's supposed to and is generally not bad," shared another shopper. However, they stated it "doesn't stay in place overnight," which "affects the final results." Another person said this method is "fairly easy to do" and confirmed, "It makes getting ready the next day a breeze!" I think for under $20, this heatless hair curler is totally worth your money — I mean, it's a no.1 bestseller for a reason. If you're sick of using heat on your locks and want give the mane a little break from curling wands without sacrificing cute hair, this is your answer. Sure, there might be a few downsides, but overall, it's a fantastic product that you'll find yourself using religiously (I can attest to this!).

Newsweek

11 hours ago

• Newsweek

Couple Wakes Up in Van, Looks Outside—Realizes They're Not Alone

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Van life might look idyllic on social media, but one couple captured a moment that complicates the picture. In the clip, the creators' serene morning waking up in their newly converted campervan took an unexpected turn when they realized their "perfect" overnight parking spot was, during the day, a bustling tourist destination. "When you wake up and realize you've parked up at a tourist destination," the couple captioned the video, which shows them peering out at a scenic green landscape, populated with people. The couple, known as @livelittlelivelar online, tagged their location as the Isle of Skye in Scotland. Stock photo: A couple lie inside of a campervan side by side. Stock photo: A couple lie inside of a campervan side by side. JuanThe TikTok video sparked a wave of relatable anecdotes from fellow van lifers and travelers. In other videos, the couple, Elle and James explained how they embarked on their van life journey with ambitious plans. In an introductory video, Elle explained their vision: "Hi, my name is Elle, and this is my boyfriend James, and together we are currently converting a Ford Transit long wheelbase into our tiny home on wheels with the hopes of traveling through Europe and beyond." They've since been documenting their conversion process, which they began through the winter of 2024. Despite both having "no experience doing this," they're "hoping to switch this lifestyle for van life," Elle said in a video. Their conversion journey itself has been a learning curve. In another video update, Elle shared insights from a "10-day challenge" they took on to accelerate the build. Now, the van is done, and their journey in Scotland seems to have contained one of their first funny van life mishaps. Their unexpected morning view resonated with many who have found themselves in similar, unintended predicaments. "I parked up once in the side of a road and woke up to strange huffing and puffing noises outside. When I looked out, I was in the middle of a marathon route and couldn't move for hours," one person wrote. Another recounted a post-pub awakening: "Me and a friend went to a pub out in the sticks to watch a band, we slept in the car as neither could drive, in the morning we were surrounded by a car boot sale and couldn't leave till 1:00 p.m." "Woke up on a road going through a golf course in Amsterdam by golfers driving their clubs past crack of dawn," a third commented. But some were completely unphased by the prospect of an audience to their van life journeying. "The way I would just give up right then and there and go back to sleep," one commenter admitted. Newsweek reached out to @livelittlelivelar for comment via TikTok.