Inside the rising ‘muscle dysmorphia crisis’ among young men - eviltoast

Defined as a preoccupation with one’s perceived lack of muscularity, muscle dysmorphia is becoming increasingly prevalent, causing what experts are calling a ‘silent crisis’ in men’s mental health

  • RaoulDook@lemmy.world
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    1 year ago

    Do they even lift, bro?

    But seriously these guys need to just pay attention to women if that’s what they want the muscles about. Women are not out there just drooling over muscles all the time, they mostly want a generally fit body, maybe abs and stuff. Big muscly bodybuilders are probably going to attract more gays than women.

      • RaoulDook@lemmy.world
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        1 year ago

        This was a discussion about “muscle dysmorphia” rather than a general dating strategy thing so I’m only pointing out physical stuff. I’m not here to help youngsters with their dating life but I thought it would be helpful for any of them to know that they don’t need to be a Hans & Franz muscleman to get dates.

    • RandomStickman@kbin.social
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      1 year ago

      I’ve seen a meme that included Henry Cavill as the Witcher as someone who is not muscular, so the unrealistic expectation is there.

      • RaoulDook@lemmy.world
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        1 year ago

        You can ignore my advice at your own risk, but I know what I’m talking about with women. If there were any on here they would probably chime in to agree that big muscles are not an important feature for a man to look good.

        • the_q@lemmy.world
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          1 year ago

          You have no idea what you’re talking about because you’re generalizing what another person finds attractive.

          • RaoulDook@lemmy.world
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            1 year ago

            You have no idea what I know about and what experiences I’ve had, because if you were on my level you would recognize the truth that I shared. Sorry about your luck there.

      • Hyperreality@kbin.social
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        1 year ago

        That comment is incredibly high on the Sapho and her Friend scale.

        Of course hypermuscular comic book characters and a ripped Hugh Jackman aren’t just male power fantasies. They’re also men being objectified for men.

        How can someone be so oblivious about how blatantly homoerotic comics and some of these ‘fitness’ magazines are?

    • captainlezbian@lemmy.world
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      1 year ago

      Different people have different tastes. I know people both men and women who have learned not to be into the bodybuilder physique because while they think it looks good they don’t like dating people who live the lifestyle it requires. They also complain about how it isn’t as nice to cuddle. Now, gay/bi men are more likely to be into living that lifestyle than straight/bi women.

      But from what I’ve heard it’s a body type largely idealized not in a sexual way, but in a self insert way. It looks powerful, and has become a cultural ideal. In part because it’s the optimization of the appearance of strength.

      Most people want someone reasonably attractive that can share their lifestyle to a reasonable degree. Beyond that, social skills and improving grooming will improve your chances far more than more time in the gym unless you enjoy it want want a partner who’s into exercise too.