Editor: In the second article in our series on Pinterest and men, Samantha Hames looks at why Pinterest can be fun for guys, too.

Pinterest has 10.4 million users. Roughly 80% of those 10 million users are female. Even despite the fact that we now know women dominate almost all forms of social media; this figure is still surprisingly high.

Surely it would be far too easy to point to pictures of kittens and wedding dresses, claim that comparing shoes or favourite shades of eye shadow is the reason why so many women continue to use and adore Pinterest. Yes, it’s perfect for boasting about that steal of a handbag. Yes, of course you can share those pictures of your new baby. Hell, drop enough well placed pins and he might even buy you that necklace for your birthday. But that would be too easy.

Women dominate Pinterest for the same reason that they dominate all other social media platforms, they love to communicate. It’s a cliché but it’s true. The reason why so many women love Pinterest in particular is because it allows them to share, and to share immediately. Now from a feminist’s point of view, Pinterest is a bit of a mixed bag. A social media site that self generates female friendly content; very, very good. But a social media site that thrives almost solely on female content is a double edged sword; a double edged sword covered in glitter, fur and snapshots of bunny rabbits. What Pinterest needs…is more men.

So in the spirit of embracing all that is manly, here are 4 wonderful reasons why Pinterest is fun for guys too…

1. Pinterest can help you put up that new wardrobe you just bought

Hey, you there! Are you a man? Can you put up shelves like a pro? I bet you can. You can’t? But you don’t want anybody to know that? That’s cool my friend. Pinterest could be all the help you need.

The Pinterest trend of sharing practical knowledge/skills does not have to be restricted to sewing patterns and pasta bowls. Because let’s face it, in the same way that not all women are domestic goddesses born with perfect Sunday roast skills, not all men are born with the ability to effortlessly put up furniture. Even with its minority proportion of male users, Pinterest features endlessly practical information like how to start and maintain a camping fire, what the perfect furniture for a bachelor pad looks like, and how to create and stencil retro t-shirt designs.

Remember. Share, share, and share again. Whether you’re the know it all who can help others, or the desperate man in need of guidance, Pinterest could be your haven. Use it wisely.

2. Pinterest will save you from wasting your time on that Steven Seagal movie

Ever watched a film so bad it made you want to cry? Well, Pinterest could help you there too. With its millions of user’s, watching thousands of films on a daily basis, Pinterest is the amateur movie critic’s hotspot. Want to know your Fellini from your Bunuel? Don’t know whether to invest those three hours in The Green Mile? Fear not, there are pins out there for you.

Surprisingly, when it comes to movies, there is no real gender divide or dominance on Pinterest. Similarly, the spread of mainstream and alternative cinema is relatively equal too. Everything from macho classics like Die Hard, to edgy comedies like Coffee and Cigarettes are regularly pinned and discussed.

So whether you want to share your favourite movies, find something new to watch, or even prevent another innocent victim from falling prey to John Travolta’s Battlefield Earth; Pinterest is for you.

3. Pinterest will teach you how to make a pizza ice cream

Just 5 minutes of casual Pinterest surfing was enough to unearth these weird and wonderful culinary gems; the pizza taco, cake filled egg shells, bacon crumble, sausage cheese muffins and the hamburger entirely wrapped in bacon. Oh and of course, the pizza ice cream; a feat that actually looks far tastier than it probably deserves.

Men! Why let the ladies have all the fun? Grab your slab of cheese, your plate of meat and your tomato sauce, and create something beautiful. Vegetarian? Don’t worry, Pinterest caters for all. And don’t forget to pass on your creations, via pinned photographs and shared recipes. Just imagine if the world had been deprived of the humble banana split hot dog. God bless you Pinterest.

4. Duh, Pinterest is 80% female

Trying to woo an attractive lady? Have no idea what to get your wife for her birthday? Don’t know whether your girlfriend would be up for a pizza ice cream? Ask Pinterest.

With its staggering 80% of female users, Pinterest is a veritable goldmine when it comes to information about the opposite sex. Whether you go for the direct route and confidently appeal to its charming and intelligent lady-folk for guidance; or you take the sneakier way and stealthily mine its pins for that perfect romantic meal or those inexplicably expensive high heeled shoes; joining Pinterest could be your key to romantic bliss.

 

So there you have it. 4 wonderful reasons why Pinterest is fun for guys too.