Reimagining Masculinity Onscreen: Insights from the 2025 Teens & Screens Survey

The 2025 “Teens & Screens” survey conducted by the Center for Scholars & Storytellers at UCLA reveals a significant shift in the portrayal of masculinity that resonates with Generation Alpha and Generation Z. The survey, which engaged 1,500 adolescents aged 10-24 across the United States, indicates a strong preference for onscreen representations of fathers who actively engage in parenting and express love towards their children. Respondents favored these portrayals by a margin of 5 to 1 over traditional depictions of stoic, independent male heroes, often seen in superhero films.

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The report highlights a growing demand for a reimagined representation of men in various roles, including fathers, mentors, coaches, and teachers. The authors emphasize that young audiences are not merely seeking better depictions of fatherhood; they are advocating for a broader understanding of masculinity that includes empathy, patience, and emotional availability. This marks a departure from the longstanding industry assumption that young male viewers prefer the archetype of the solitary hero.

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One notable example cited in the survey is Noah Wyle’s character, Dr. Michael “Robby” Robinavitch, from HBO Max’s series *The Pitt*. Dr. Robby is portrayed as a flawed yet relatable mentor, contrasting sharply with the traditional "stoic provider" or "distant hero" archetypes that have dominated media narratives for decades. The report argues that such portrayals are essential, as they reflect the values that young people prioritize in their role models.

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The authors of the survey assert that the media's historical reliance on depictions of men in positions of power or physical strength has overlooked the qualities that resonate more deeply with younger audiences. They state, “Our data shows that by primarily showing men in positions of power or physical strength, we ignore the roles that young people value.” This sentiment underscores the need for creators and executives to reconsider the narratives they promote.

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Despite the positive reception of these findings, some industry critics argue that the shift towards more emotionally available male characters may not appeal to all demographics. They contend that traditional hero narratives still hold significant value and that a balance must be struck between diverse representations and established archetypes.

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As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, the implications of the 2025 Teens & Screens survey may influence future content creation. The demand for more nuanced portrayals of masculinity could lead to a broader range of characters that reflect the complexities of modern fatherhood and mentorship, potentially reshaping the landscape of onscreen masculinity.

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• “Young people are not just asking for better dads; they are asking for a reimagining of how men show up in the lives of others.” — Center for Scholars & Storytellers, UCLA

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• “Our data shows that by primarily showing men in positions of power or physical strength, we ignore the roles that young people value, defined by empathy, patience, and emotional availability.” — Center for Scholars & Storytellers, UCLA

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