Being in touch with their feelings is a flex for Gen Z men

If you've seen The Holiday, you’ll remember the line delivered by Jude Law’s character, Graham: “I cry all the time. More than any woman you’ve ever met.” He says it with such casual confidence that it makes both Amanda—and the audience—fall for him even more. In today’s world, emotional openness has never felt more relevant, especially for Gen Z men. Emotional vulnerability has become a badge of honour for a generation that grew up questioning the macho “don’t cry” culture of their dads and uncles. Forget the “strong, silent” stereotype—today’s man of the hour isn’t afraid to voice his feelings, whether it’s through a heartfelt Instagram story or an on-brand mental health meme on Twitter. 

A powerful example of this shift is Indian chess grandmaster Gukesh Dommaraju. At just 18, Gukesh defeated China's Ding Liren to become the youngest-ever World Chess Champion. What was moving, however, was not just his historic win but the tears in his eyes as he absorbed the enormity of it all. In that moment, Gukesh let the world know that strength and vulnerability can often intertwine. 

Vedika Sukhatme, a Mumbai-based psychologist, explains, “For decades, men were told that strength meant staying stoic and silent, no matter what. This kind of emotional repression didn’t just isolate men; it contributed to mental health struggles, relationship breakdowns, and even higher rates of substance abuse and suicide.” But Gen Z isn’t just rejecting these ideals—they’re replacing them with healthier ones. Sukhatme adds, “Emotional openness isn’t just a personal flex; it’s a societal necessity. By embracing vulnerability, Gen Z men are normalizing emotional expression, creating a culture where strength is tied to self-awareness, not suppression.”

Social media has played a huge role in this cultural shift. Platforms like Instagram and Twitter have given Gen Z men the space to share their emotions in ways that feel authentic and relatable. Whether it’s a post acknowledging their mental health struggles or a tearful moment captured during a life milestone, these expressions foster connection and community. However, as Sukhatme points out, “Social media is a double-edged sword. While it has normalised emotional expression, it also brings the risk of performative vulnerability. If sharing emotions becomes about likes or validation rather than genuine connection, it can lead to emotional fatigue or a sense of emptiness.”

Finding the balance between authentic self-expression and oversharing is key. Gen Z men are rooting their emotional openness in personal growth rather than external validation while navigating the complexities of setting boundaries in a digital world where everyone’s emotions are on display.

The Psychological Flex of Vulnerability

The benefits of emotional expression extend far beyond social clout. From a psychological perspective, being in touch with your emotions is transformative. Men who express their feelings are better equipped to regulate their emotions, build empathy, and form deeper connections.

Sukhatme highlights, “When men embrace vulnerability, it fosters self-acceptance and strengthens relationships. Emotional openness creates bonds rooted in trust and mutual understanding. For Gen Z men, this shift isn’t just about feeling good—it’s about building healthier communities and rejecting the harmful norms that caused so much damage in the past.”

This emotional awareness has practical benefits, too. In professional settings, emotionally intelligent men are better communicators, conflict resolvers, and leaders. In personal relationships, they’re more empathetic, creating partnerships built on equality and respect rather than dominance and detachment.

Redefining Masculinity 

The shift towards this emotional openness is a redefinition of masculinity itself. Gen Z men are rewriting the script, showing that strength lies in authenticity—not suppression. By embracing vulnerability, they're dismantling the toxic ideals that equate masculinity with dominance and aggression. This cultural shift is being championed by role models across industries. Athletes like Virat Kohli openly discuss their mental health challenges, artists like Harry Styles embrace a softer, more expressive version of masculinity, and musicians like Kendrick Lamar use their platforms to explore vulnerability and self-reflection.

Closer to home, young creators and influencers on Instagram and YouTube are sharing their emotional journeys, normalising conversations about heartbreak, anxiety, and self-discovery. Sukhatme notes, “These role models are showing that sensitivity isn’t a weakness; it’s a superpower. They’re inspiring a generation to embrace their full emotional spectrum. Gen Z isn't just redefining what it means to be a man; they're redefining what it means to be human.”
 

Lead image: Courtesy of FIDE/Eng Chin An via ANI Photo

Also read: Is it time to retire the hyper-masculine hero?

Also read: How can we raise our boys to be better men?