A new drama, Adolescence, has prompted conversations about the growing influence on boys and young men of what’s known as the manosphere. So what exactly is the manosphere, how has it taken hold and how should we talk to boys and young men about it? Claudia Toxopeus looks into the issue.
Adolescence, described as a gripping crime drama, follows a 13-year-old accused of murdering a female classmate and explores the influence of digital echo chambers.
Its impact has reached into the world of politics in the UK, with Jess Phillips, the minister responsible for safeguarding women and girls against violence, describing the series as a “disturbing glimpse into the minds of thousands of young British boys warped by the extreme violence and sexual abuse they are witnessing every day online”.
And writer Jack Thorne has said he wants the Netflix programme shown in schools and Parliament. “It’s crucial because this is only going to get worse,” he said.
What is the manosphere?
The manosphere is a collection of online men’s communities that have become dominated by misogynistic and anti-feminist views.
According to a 2023 report by the Center for Countering Digital Hate, engagement with manosphere content on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Reddit had surged by more than 50% in the previous three years.
Researchers warned that social media algorithms could push men toward increasingly extreme content, a trend known as the “pipeline effect”.
Dr Stephanie Wescott, a feminist academic at Monash University in Melbourne, said understanding the way the technology works is important.
“The algorithms play a significant role in the reach of manosphere messaging and communities,” she said. “Social media has enabled the exposure and spread of manosphere ideologies.”
A reflection of real-world trends
The themes in Adolescence draw parallels to the challenges many young men face today.
One personality associated with the manosphere is Andrew Tate. He has received widespread backlash for his views on women, masculinity, and relationships.
He and his brother are facing charges including human trafficking and rape in Romania. Nonetheless, he continues to have significant influence. A 2022 analysis by The Guardian revealed that more than half of teenage boys in the UK had encountered Tate’s content, with many drawn to his messages about confidence and success.
Richie Hardcore is a public educator of family violence prevention, masculinity and mental health. He told 1News that while some of these ideas may seem innocent, they reflect a bigger issue.
“You could argue that it’s been distilled to be less dangerous. For example, the meme blender of culture has 11-year-olds calling each other alphas, betas and sigmas, terms drawn from Incel communities and that may be harmless. But, at the same time, it is a symptom that radical ideologies may seep into mainstream culture.”
What’s caused it to flourish?
Some argue the manosphere exists in part because traditional male support networks have eroded.
Hardcore says “loneliness, a lack of purpose, and a search for connection and community” are a big part of what can lead young men towards it.
“I think some of the ideas that you find about physical fitness, and ambition and being organised aren’t inherently bad messages. But when they are couched alongside really virulent sexism and a strict set of rules on how you’re supposed to act as a ‘real man’, it becomes both dangerous and damaging.”
He added that it’s important instead to role model what “healthy masculinity” looks like.
“We can’t just point out the bad. Lots of boys are desperate for role models, let’s help them find the good ones.”
How to talk to children about the issue
Kristin Ward, parent coach manager at the Parenting Place, says “it’s about lots of small, consistent conversations”.
“Children and teens do not want to hear lectures, it is far more powerful to be asking good questions and helping them to think through implications.”
She suggests opening the conversation with questions like, “Who are the influencers you’re into?” and “What do you like about them?”
“Conversations like this help boys think for themselves and recognise harmful messages or ideas when they see them,” she said. “Keep the door open, and let your sons know that respect, kindness, and strength go hand in hand.”
The hope of many is that a confronting series like Adolescence can help bring home some of those messages to the teenagers and young people who watch the programme.
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