How the Manosphere Is Reshaping Young Men’s Identity

In today’s digital age, online communities impact how young people see themselves and the world. The internet has allowed us to easily meet and talk to anyone from anywhere in the world, creating a sense of connection and belonging in the digital sphere. Unfortunately, just like in the offline world,  not all of those communities are safe or positive. One of them is the “manosphere”, which has become a hub for anti-feminist content, toxic masculinity, and the normalization of gender-based violence. As it spreads across platforms, the manosphere is quietly influencing how young men think, behave, and define their identity.

Understanding the Manosphere

The manosphere is a broad term for online spaces that focus on men’s issues, often characterized by anti-feminist and misogynistic views. These spaces include subgroups such as Men’s Rights Activists (MRAs), incels (involuntary celibates), pick-up artists (PUAs), and others.

Each of these subgroups has its own focus:

• Men’s Rights Activists (MRAs): MRAs argue that men face systemic discrimination in areas like family law, education, and employment, often blaming feminism for it.
• Involuntary Celibates (Incels): Incels believe that women purposely deny them romantic or sexual relationships, fostering resentment and promoting violence against women.
• Pick-Up Artists (PUAs): PUAs focus on teaching men manipulative techniques to attract women, treating relationships like a game of control.

While these groups differ in their specific beliefs, they are united by a common opposition to feminism and a narrative that positions men as “victims” from social change.

Target Audience and Demographics

A combination of social and personal factors can lead boys and young men to the manosphere communities. The State of American Men 2023 report found that two-thirds of young men aged 18–23 feel that “no one really knows” them. These feelings of isolation and insecurity as well as romantic challenges are some of the most common personal experiences that can drive them to it.

For them, the manosphere often provides a sense of community and guidance, especially in an online world where social media algorithms can promote extreme content lightly. A recent survey found that 80% of UK boys aged 16–17 had consumed content from manosphere influencers like Andrew Tate, illustrating the wide reach of these communities among youth.

The manosphere attracts a broad range of demographics. White men, particularly in North America and Europe, are highly represented, with some groups even merging their narratives with white supremacy and nationalist ideologies. At the same time, subcultures within the manosphere also reflect racial and cultural diversity. For example, the Asian American Men’s Movement (MRAsian) emerged to target and harass those they perceive as undermining their masculinity.

Economically, many participants identify as middle-class breadwinners but express feelings of economic insecurity and uncertainty about their future, especially in today’s unstable job market. While some users have stable incomes and social support, others face financial hardship, housing instability, and mental health struggles, which reflect a broad spectrum of lived realities.

The Real-World Impact of the Manosphere

The influence of the manosphere extends beyond online forums, shaping attitudes and behaviors that can have serious real-world consequences. Survey shows that young men who engage with these communities are more likely to report feelings of worthlessness, isolation, and distrust toward women and society. This normalization can spread into schools, workplaces, and public life, influencing how young men interact with others.

For example, the 2014 Isla Vista shooting and the 2018 Toronto van attack were both perpetrated by individuals active in these communities. A 2022 report by the Centre for Countering Digital Hate found that misogynistic manosphere forums receive over 1 million visits per month, and users often encourage each other to harass women online.

Moreover, the manosphere often does not stop at gender wars; it also promotes fascist ideals involving racism and other forms of hate. The International Centre for Counter-Terrorism’s 2023 report shows that manosphere spaces frequently overlap with far-right extremist groups, where white supremacist messages are spread alongside misogyny. These groups use gender-based hate as a gateway to pull people into broader extremist beliefs. As a result, misogyny, racism, and nationalism become deeply connected, creating a dangerous online space that spreads hate across communities and borders.

Building Healthier Online Communities

As online communities become an increasingly prominent aspect in many people’s lives, creating safe and healthy digital spaces is essential. Policymakers and tech companies must take responsibility, such as by properly moderating harmful content and providing resources for those at risk of radicalization. From the consumer’s end, parents, guardians, and schools are the frontliners. Beyond internet safety, they should also open non-judgmental conversations about empathy, online experiences, and relationships to help young men feel understood and supported at home, especially about their developing relationships with masculinity.

Additionally, actively engaging young men actively in positive activities is a key part of building long-term antidotes to toxic online spaces. For example, in Zimbabwe, the UN Women Men to Men Campaign trains young men as advocates against gender-based violence and has established youth clubs in dozens of tertiary institutions.

After all, the issues often lie beyond the individuals, and so do the solutions. Involving communities, policymakers, and companies are necessary to foster more responsible, inclusive, and supportive spaces online and offline.

Editor: Nazalea Kusuma

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