The internet has been captivated by the engagements of Machine Gun Kelly to Meghan Fox and Travis Barker to Kortney Kardashian along with Pete Davidson and Kim Kardashian’s new relationship.

In terms of Hollywood beauty standards, some of the most beautiful female celebrities have fallen for non-traditionally attractive men. Rather than muscular actors or athletes, these three guys are lanky and heavily tattooed.

“I was kind of shocked by each of the relationships,” said Erika Ross (11), “[those guys] are not my cup of tea.”

The internet’s inability to comprehend these relationships has everything to do with looks. However, this objectification of men has a positive spin as it addresses the media’s negative effect on body image.

Research says “65 percent of men said they compare themselves to images in the media and, of that, 37 percent said the comparison is unfavorable.”

In response to this data, Amelia Quinlen (12) said, “[looking at images on social media is] all negative even if you don’t realize it. Everything you see online affects you… It gets into your mind that these celebrities are good examples of attractive, beautiful people, and you need to be more like them.”

Isabelle Herzke (12) said, “when I’m scrolling on social media and see these famous influencers and celebrities…every now and then I’ll compare myself to them … I think that men can be affected by [social media] in the same way. Boys can kind of beat themselves up about not being this big buff muscular guy.”
90 percent of teen boys exercise with the specific goal of “bulking up.” This behavior often continues into young adulthood. The phrase “muscle dysmorphia” or “reverse anorexia” is used to describe male body image disorders focused around the obsessive desire to have a bigger, more muscular body.

The media continuously shoves muscular male celebrities into our eyes. But, Machine Gun Kelly, Travis Barker, and Pete Davidson go against the standard of bulky celebrity. Because of the media attention these men are receiving from their relationships, they are setting new examples and hopefully, will help some young boys not feel the pressures to bulk up.

“[Everyone] struggles to find realistic body types represented in the media… [These guys] are good for younger boys to see,” said Herzke.