Australia gender divide grows amid social media influence

Jan Roberts, founder of the Wagga Women's Health Centre, has expressed concern regarding the growing divide between men and women in Australia. She suggests that individualism, changing gender roles, and the influence of social media are eroding genuine connections between the sexes.

Roberts notes that younger generations face significant pressure to meet unattainable standards set by platforms like Instagram. She also highlights how social media and pornography are shaping modern expectations of masculinity.

Data from the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research indicates significant disparities in violence experiences. In 2025, women accounted for 80 per cent of adult sexual assault victims in New South Wales, and two-thirds of domestic assault victims were women. While Roberts acknowledges that men can also be victims of domestic violence, she emphasizes that the broader gender divide is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.