The closure of Britain's best-known magazine, Zoo, was an event that shook the industry to its core. It had been one of the most popular publications among young adult males since it launched in 2006, but after ten years, it ceased production due to financial troubles. Despite this, some aspects of its legacy live on through other similar media outlets. Websites like GQ and Esquire have adopted many of Zoo's stylistic elements—such as irreverent humor and provocative imagery—into their online content for men. The way these websites approach male culture has changed dramatically since then.
GQ is a men's lifestyle website that features articles about style, grooming, entertainment, and current events. While it used to focus more on topics such as fashion and pop culture, it now incorporates a wider range of subjects into its content.
They recently published an article titled "How to Tell If You're Actually Having Sexual Fantasies," which discusses how sexuality can be expressed through creativity and fantasy rather than just physical intimacy. In addition to covering traditional topics like relationships and fitness, they also explore concepts like masculinity and mental health with pieces like "Why Do Some Men Find Masculinity So Hard?" This type of exploration is what makes GQ stand out from other sites in the space; by delving deeper into societal issues surrounding gender roles, they are able to provide readers with thoughtful insights while still maintaining their lighthearted tone.
Esquire is another digital magazine that draws heavily from the lad mag ethos adapted for today's web-based world. Their articles typically feature witty headlines like "What Every Man Should Know About Erotica" or "10 Sex Positions That Will Blow Your Mind," but they also offer more serious content such as "The Psychology Behind Why Women Fall Out Of Love" or "6 Ways To Improve Your Relationship With Food." These stories dive into complex issues related to romance without being too heavy handed or academic sounding—a perfect balance between accessibility and intellectualism that appeals to modern audiences who want something more substantial than clickbait headlines. They even have entire sections dedicated solely to sex tips designed specifically for men called "The Guy Next Door."
Both websites have benefited greatly from taking cues from Zoo's success before it went under. By incorporating its irreverent humor into their writing style and incorporating elements of provocative imagery into their visuals, these outlets have managed to create a unique niche within the male lifestyle industry that was once dominated exclusively by print publications. As technology continues evolving at an exponential rate, we can only expect this trend will continue growing stronger over time, providing new opportunities for writers looking for creative ways to explore male culture through online mediums.