REFLECTIONS | DR MARK ORD

Title

What Dr Mark Ord Taught Me About How the World Shapes the Male Mind

The Story

Mark is an evolutionary psychologist, he explores the realities of modern masculinity,

from dating and competition to mental health and the rise of the manosphere. His work examines how social media and online culture are shaping the way young men think, behave, and understand the world around them, raising bigger questions about where it’s all heading.

Opening

This was the first episode with an expert in psychology. I was really looking forward to this conversation due to the specific subject in which Mark studies. I learn a lot from the people I speak to, in more lived experience point of view, so this time it felt like a conversation from real long term data.

What Stayed With Me

I could have talked to Mark for hours. I am fascinated in human behaviour and felt this conversation was a little validation in my understanding. I also learned that the way I think that certain behaviours are created, is very much the similar in theory, but in a less academic and articulate way.

The Bigger Reflection

I do think understanding nature, nurture, human behaviour can help you navigate life. Knowledge is king, everyday is a teaching day. I think this subject should be taught in schools, as it may help teens understand their thoughts and behaviours as they go through hormonal changes.

A Line I Won’t Forget

“That tunes the way your brain sees the world”

Nature vs nurture. I’ve always wondered how your environment shapes who you are, how you are raised, how your personality reacts to situations.

Closing Thought

I was really surprised to hear how genetics and outside home environment influence most of what shapes us as we develop into adulthood. Aside from the obvious extremes of home environment, I feel, as parents, there’s always a pressure of, “Are we doing the right thing, is it us, why are they like this”  all are very valid as we want the best and to raise our kids without the life experiences we all went through.

Social media and that outside influence is another hurdle we don’t yet know how to navigate, but I think the only thing we can do is be aware and make sure a balance of understanding and explanation is at the top of our list.