With more than 5.5 billion people online – and nearly as many on social media – digital spaces have become central to how we learn and connect. But alongside its benefits, the internet is also being used to spread hate, abuse and misogyny.
The “manosphere:” a loose network of communities that claim to address men’s struggles – dating, fitness or fatherhood, for example – but often promote harmful advice and attitudes. These groups are united by an opposition to feminism and misrepresent men as “victims” of the current social and political climate.
Two-thirds of young men regularly engage with masculinity influencers online. Experts are finding that the popularity of extreme language in the manosphere not only normalizes violence against women and girls, but has growing links to radicalization and extremist ideologies.
These communities promote the idea that emotional control, material wealth, physical appearance and dominance, especially over women, are markers of male worth.
The manosphere targets male audiences on social media, podcasts, gamer communities, dating apps and just about all digital spaces. Many participants engage with it while searching for forums to openly discuss or learn about men’s issues. But while content may appear focused on men’s self-improvement, many of these groups promote unhealthy behaviors, like instructing boys and men to build themselves up by putting others down.
It is normal to seek community in digital spaces. Many of us build a sense of identity, nurture interests and find like-minded people online.
But, the manosphere’s lifestyle coaches have drawn young men in by claiming to teach personal responsibility. But ironically, instead of encouraging the self-exploration that can get to the heart of men’s challenges, they suggest men are victims of society’s prejudice against men.
While groups within the manosphere do not all share the same beliefs, many are united in their misogyny – a prejudice and resentment of women and girls. In many ways, the manosphere is descended from a long line of anti-feminist movements.
Involuntary celibates (incels): believe that men are entitled to sex, and women purposefully deprive them of it. This culture promotes rape and assault and brings together other ideologies, including racism and homophobia.
There is a real-world impact: gender stereotypes harm everyone
In the manosphere, everyone loses. Misogyny and gender inequality are harmful to men, as well as women. Incels are also more prone to depression and suicidal thoughts.
If boys and men aren’t encouraged to speak openly about their emotions or issues, they may gravitate towards these online communities as a place to get advice on topics like relationship struggles, fatherhood, anxiety and sexual health.
Meanwhile, younger men today are more likely to hold regressive ideas about gender roles than older men, representing a backlash that could reverse hard-won gains in gender equality.
Im addition, some of the men and boys who enter manosphere forums feel alienated by mainstream society. Even if relatively few users travel down rabbit holes to more extremist content, research suggests the pathway is there.
Standing up to the manosphere requires we challenge the harmful beliefs and social norms that perpetuate gender inequality. In our social circles and communities, this work often begins and grows with conversation. It’s also helpful to talk to kids about gender equality and stereotypes.
We need to promote healthy masculinity in the digital age and
value empathy and communication, as opposed to stoicism or isolation.
We need to build relationships based on trust, not dominance or status
We need to normalize emotional expression and show that it’s safe to be vulnerable.
Finally let’s model respect and ways to have healthy disagreements and point out and discuss gender stereotypes in the media
