Mainstream media, referring to traditional mass media outlets like television, newspapers, and radio. Also refers to methylsulfonylmethane, a dietary supplement.
The media acronym emerged in the 1990s as alternative media sources began criticizing established news outlets. 'Mainstream' comes from the metaphor of the main current of a river, representing dominant or conventional viewpoints in society.
The term MSM became particularly prominent during the rise of internet journalism and social media, often used by critics to suggest bias or groupthink in traditional media. Interestingly, what constitutes 'mainstream' has blurred as digital platforms have gained massive audiences that sometimes dwarf traditional outlets.
MSM (men who have sex with men) is epidemiological shorthand that emerged in 1990s public health to include diverse identities but can flatten lived experience. However, it also functionally desexes discussion and can obscure women's sexual health needs.
Use in public health/epidemiological contexts where behavioral risk stratification is relevant. In social contexts, prefer named identities (gay men, bisexual men, queer men) or ask individuals their preference.
["gay men","bisexual men","queer men","men who have sex with men (self-identified)"]
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