The Manosphere That Made Adolescence
WARMER
Discuss the following questions.
 What does it mean to be an "influencer"? Can you think of any influencers who
have a positive or negative impact on young people today?

Have you ever heard terms like "alpha," "beta," or "sigma" in conversations or on
social media? What do you think they mean, and why do people use them?

Why do you think some online communities become so popular, even if they
promote extreme views? What makes people want to be part of them?
KEY WORDS
a) Find the words in the wordpool in the article. Then use the words to complete the
definitions.
pipeline effect take hold echo chambers
warp incel seep into erode surge
inherently
backlash
gripping
1 If something is ____________, it is highly engaging or holding one's attention
intensely.
2 ____________ is an environment, especially online, where a person exclusively
encounters information or opinions that reflect and reinforce their own, due to selective
exposure or algorithmic filtering.
3 ___________ means to gradually spread into or penetrate something, often in a subtle or unnoticed
manner.
4 If something _____________, it gradually wears away or diminishes something.
5 A ____________ is a strong and adverse reaction by a large number of people against
a recent event or development.
6 To ___________ means to cause to become bent or twisted out of shape; in a
figurative sense, to distort or alter the true meaning or character of something.
7 The process by which individuals are gradually led towards more extreme content or
beliefs through a series of recommendations or exposures, often facilitated by
algorithms is called the ____________.
8 ____________ refers to a characteristic that is an essential or natural part of
something.
9 An ____________ is a member of a group of people on the internet who are unable to
find sexual partners despite wanting them, and who express hate towards people whom
they blame for this.
10 To ____________ means to become established or start to have an effect.
11 To ____________ means to increase suddenly and strongly.
b) Complete the sentences with the words from the previous activity.
1 The new documentary about cybercrime is so ___________ that I couldn’t stop
watching it.
2 The movement began as a small online discussion but quickly ___________ among
thousands of followers.
3 The ___________ community, known for its hostility toward women, has been widely
criticized for promoting misogyny.
4 While competition can be motivating, it is not ___________ a bad thing unless it turns
toxic.
5 Constant exposure to negative messages can ___________ a person’s self-confidence
over time.
6 Harmful ideologies often ___________ online communities, influencing young and
impressionable minds.
7 Social media algorithms can create a ___________, gradually exposing users to more
extreme content over time.
8 People who only get their news from one source risk being trapped in an ___________
where their views are never challenged.
9 There has been a ___________ in online discussions about toxic masculinity in recent
years.
10 Exposure to extreme online content can ____________ a person’s perception of
reality.
11 The influencer faced massive ___________ after making offensive comments in a
viral video.
Adolescence series throws light on toxic world of the manosphere
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.
Bigotry
misogyny
xenophobia
homophobia
transphobia
manosphere
ableism
ageism
islamophobia
nationalism (extreme form)
anti-Semitism
hatred or fear of LGBTQ+ people
discrimination or prejudice against
people with disabilities
discrimination or prejudice against
people based on age
hatred of women
hatred or fear of foreigners
hatred toward people from other
nations
hate or strong dislike of Jews, or
actions that express hate or dislike
of Jews
hatred or fear of transgender
individuals
a varied collection of websites,
blogs, and online forums promoting
masculinity, misogyny, and
opposition to feminism
hatred or fear of Muslims