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The Age
11 hours ago
- Health
- The Age
‘There is more to someone than their data': The dating filter behind an online gender war
Dr Michael Flood, a professor specialising in masculinity at the Queensland University of Technology, says that shorter men 'experience considerable stigma and shame in relation to their height,' and that studies show 'genuine penalties to their professional lives, their working lives and their dating lives'. Loading 'The long and short of it is that being tall is prized in stereotypical masculine norms,' says Flood. 'Taller men are perceived as more masculine, more competent, more successful.' The professor says a number of studies show height affects men's involvement in society, including a study which showed teachers perceived shorter male students as less capable than taller ones, and another that found taller men are 'more likely to become corporate leaders' because of an assumed competence associated with their height. Flood says that the stigma associated with height is part of a 'growing pressure on boys and men' to meet traditional masculine stereotypes, with other factors like muscularity forming a 'rigid bodily ideal' that affects male self-esteem and dating habits. 'It may be frustrating to be instantly discarded on the basis of height. However, being instantly discarded is a pretty routine process on dating sites, and I would say in general, the bodily standards applied to women are much stricter and harsher than the bodily standards applied to men. Think of 'dad bods'. That's a positive term for a slightly overweight, middle-aged man. There's no female equivalent.' The 2022 ABS National Health Survey found the average height for adult men was 174.8 centimetres, or 5′9. For women, it was 161.5 centimetres, or 5′4. Analysis of the 2017-2018 National Health Survey found that 62.4 per cent of Australians incorrectly reported their height, with men over-reporting their height by 2.2 centimetres on average, while women over-reported by 1.6 centimetres. Similar analysis was not performed in 2022 as all height data was self-recorded due to COVID concerns. Sex and relationship expert Georgia Grace agrees that while men are subject to rigid and sometimes 'uncomfortable' standards, they pale in comparison to those applied to women. 'Speaking with a lot of straight women, being discriminated against because of their body, because of their weight, or their height, or the colour of their hair, or the size of their boobs, that's not new to them. Men are held to certain aesthetic and beauty standards, but by no means are they interrogated [equally to] women.' Loading In her role as a counsellor, Grace says that many of her male clients do not feel comfortable talking about body image issues. 'Everyone is familiar with the vulnerabilities that come with dating. We feel like a mirror is held up to the things that we're most insecure about. When you're really wanting to find someone, to connect with them, to find someone who you're also attracted to, it can feel so challenging and so hard and so vulnerable. 'A lot of people do feel insecure about the way they look, or they do feel vulnerable, or they do feel like there are these impossible standards and these sorts of new hoops that they're having to jump through, but I think it's really important for people to remember that that's a universal experience.' Grace believes the 'patriarchal systems' men are socialised in force them to conform to certain bodily standards, but bar them from discussing their struggles with expressing masculinity. 'So a lot of men are feeling down about themselves, but also isolated and unable to speak to other men about this vulnerability.' A spokesperson for Tinder says the height filter was employed as 'part of a broader effort to help people connect more intentionally,' while describing the filter as a test that may not become a permanent feature of the app. A similar feature is available on other dating apps like Hinge and Bumble. Salvaggio says that he does not use filters beyond the standard age and location filters. He says this was not to cast a wide net, but rather because he believes 'there is more to someone than all of their data'. 'When you add too many filters, you cut off the opportunity to meet someone great just because they don't match every single box that you have in your head.'
Sydney Morning Herald
11 hours ago
- Health
- Sydney Morning Herald
‘There is more to someone than their data': The dating filter behind an online gender war
Dr Michael Flood, a professor specialising in masculinity at the Queensland University of Technology, says that shorter men 'experience considerable stigma and shame in relation to their height,' and that studies show 'genuine penalties to their professional lives, their working lives and their dating lives'. Loading 'The long and short of it is that being tall is prized in stereotypical masculine norms,' says Flood. 'Taller men are perceived as more masculine, more competent, more successful.' The professor says a number of studies show height affects men's involvement in society, including a study which showed teachers perceived shorter male students as less capable than taller ones, and another that found taller men are 'more likely to become corporate leaders' because of an assumed competence associated with their height. Flood says that the stigma associated with height is part of a 'growing pressure on boys and men' to meet traditional masculine stereotypes, with other factors like muscularity forming a 'rigid bodily ideal' that affects male self-esteem and dating habits. 'It may be frustrating to be instantly discarded on the basis of height. However, being instantly discarded is a pretty routine process on dating sites, and I would say in general, the bodily standards applied to women are much stricter and harsher than the bodily standards applied to men. Think of 'dad bods'. That's a positive term for a slightly overweight, middle-aged man. There's no female equivalent.' The 2022 ABS National Health Survey found the average height for adult men was 174.8 centimetres, or 5′9. For women, it was 161.5 centimetres, or 5′4. Analysis of the 2017-2018 National Health Survey found that 62.4 per cent of Australians incorrectly reported their height, with men over-reporting their height by 2.2 centimetres on average, while women over-reported by 1.6 centimetres. Similar analysis was not performed in 2022 as all height data was self-recorded due to COVID concerns. Sex and relationship expert Georgia Grace agrees that while men are subject to rigid and sometimes 'uncomfortable' standards, they pale in comparison to those applied to women. 'Speaking with a lot of straight women, being discriminated against because of their body, because of their weight, or their height, or the colour of their hair, or the size of their boobs, that's not new to them. Men are held to certain aesthetic and beauty standards, but by no means are they interrogated [equally to] women.' Loading In her role as a counsellor, Grace says that many of her male clients do not feel comfortable talking about body image issues. 'Everyone is familiar with the vulnerabilities that come with dating. We feel like a mirror is held up to the things that we're most insecure about. When you're really wanting to find someone, to connect with them, to find someone who you're also attracted to, it can feel so challenging and so hard and so vulnerable. 'A lot of people do feel insecure about the way they look, or they do feel vulnerable, or they do feel like there are these impossible standards and these sorts of new hoops that they're having to jump through, but I think it's really important for people to remember that that's a universal experience.' Grace believes the 'patriarchal systems' men are socialised in force them to conform to certain bodily standards, but bar them from discussing their struggles with expressing masculinity. 'So a lot of men are feeling down about themselves, but also isolated and unable to speak to other men about this vulnerability.' A spokesperson for Tinder says the height filter was employed as 'part of a broader effort to help people connect more intentionally,' while describing the filter as a test that may not become a permanent feature of the app. A similar feature is available on other dating apps like Hinge and Bumble. Salvaggio says that he does not use filters beyond the standard age and location filters. He says this was not to cast a wide net, but rather because he believes 'there is more to someone than all of their data'. 'When you add too many filters, you cut off the opportunity to meet someone great just because they don't match every single box that you have in your head.'
Mint
11-05-2025
- Health
- Mint
Why health insurance during and after pregnancy is essential
At a time of high medical inflation, insurance has become more than a backup plan – it's now a calculated investment. For women, especially mothers, full health coverage is an important shock absorber for unexpected medical costs that could otherwise jeopardise family budgets. How health insurance supports women through motherhood Pregnancy-related medical bills can often run into lakhs, putting the entire family under significant financial strain. As per National Health Survey 5, 21.5% of all births in India now occur through C-sections, which has contributed to the growing costs of maternity care. As a result, maternity claims now account for about 20% of all health insurance claims. A C-section can cost anywhere from ₹75,000 to ₹2,00,000 in metro cities, while a normal delivery generally ranges from ₹50,000 to ₹1 lakh. These costs can increase further if there are complications during pregnancy or delivery. At a time when your focus should be on the joy of bringing new life into the world, financial worries should be the last thing on your mind. That's why it's essential to opt for a good health insurance plan early on that will cover both your maternity and post-maternity expenses. Also read: Fund houses suggest these four tweaks to make mutual funds even more sahi The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has outlined clear guidelines for insurance coverage related to maternity expenses. It states that the coverage must include prenatal and postnatal medical expenses, as well as newborn care. It should also cover legal and medical termination of pregnancy. However, this is subject to a maximum of two deliveries and terminations during the lifetime of the insured person. Additionally, medical expenses during hospitalisation for delivery – a C-section or a normal delivery – must also be also included. The power of preventive health Mothers often neglect their own health because they are only focused on raising their children. Families should, therefore, invest in health policies that incorporate wellness incentives and preventive screenings for women. Choose an insurance plan that includes some wellness benefits that can help you keep a check on your health and prevent the onset of illnesses and diseases. For instance, you must undergo annual health check-ups, take steps towards having a fit lifestyle, participating in fitness classes, and so on. Health insurance plans with wellness benefits also include discounts on these activities. Also read: Got a higher salary this April? Here's how to calculate your government 'bonus' These preventative actions can aid in the early detection and treatment of severe and life-threatening conditions. Look for a plan that offers complete coverage for critical illness diagnosis and treatment, allowing you to concentrate on your recuperation with financial stability. Family floater plans for growing families A family floater health plan covers every family member without the need to buy separate plans for each one. You only need to pay one premium for the entire family's coverage. The plan allows you to include your dependent children, spouse, and yourself. Some policies also allow you to include siblings, in-laws, and dependent parents. While buying insurance plans for mothers, it is important to examine all policy documents thoroughly. You can also consult an insurance expert to learn more about the terms and conditions of the policy. Also, consider a plan that provides flexibility regarding policy tenure, sum insured options, and the inclusion of family members as needed. Above all, seek a plan with a high sum insured and a competitively priced premium. Also read: When buying financial products, scepticism is your best defence Buying health insurance is an act of love as it encourages families to embrace their well-being. For mothers, a health insurance plan promotes timely treatment, healthy lifestyle choices and routine checkups. Insurance secures the unseen ties of care and protection at home, guaranteeing each family member's health is a top concern rather than an afterthought. Anupama Raina is head, process enhancement & governance (health LOB), SBI General Insurance.
