Inside the Manosphere: What happens when misogynistic ideologies move from online content to our everyday lives? 

With Louis Theroux’s new documentary ‘Inside the Manosphere’ being released a few months ago and the popularity of the series Adolescence that came out last year, the concept of the ‘manosphere’, radicalisation and online misogyny have become topics in households around the UK. 

These programmes have shone a light on the growing online ‘red-pill’ culture where young men promote the idea that if you are more attractive, you will be more successful – financially, emotionally and sexually. This ideology is not new – manosphere views were present in the 1970s and 80s as a response to second wave feminism – however, with political and technological shifts, it is becoming more widespread and easier to access. As gender equality increases, men who are involved in the manosphere spaces believe this has come at a cost to their masculinity. This growing conservatism amongst some men sees them drawn to the belief that women are the cause of their perceived decrease in power, therefore seeking to put them down to regain control. 

Men’s mental health is an important catalyst in the increase and adoption of misogynistic online activity and ideas. Many young men and boys encounter this space through a feeling of isolation and a search for belonging. The manosphere can offer these people a sense of community, or provide simple solutions to real problems that they face, such as economic hardship, relationship stress or self esteem issues. What struck me most about watching Inside the Manosphere was that these men were voicing real, structural problems often stemming from capitalism, such as cost of living and job competition; however at the last minute they put the blame on women.

Theroux’s TV series gained immense popularity, bringing the topic of online misogyny into household conversations, however it received some backlash around its lack of spotlight on the women that are affected by this issue. In the program, we are introduced to the wives and girlfriends of the men who are at the centre of this online world. However, as a review from The Guardian states, ‘they are rarely seen for a second time, when the men realise how easily they could go off-script’. This raises the question of whether the documentary somewhat glamorises the men or tries to find excuses by investigating their past – often a tale of childhood neglect or absent fathers. Whilst within the manosphere both men and women are victims, it’s important to discuss the effects on the people who choose not to be a part of it. 

The manosphere can seem like an intangible concept, something solely digital that won’t translate into real life, however it can have real world implications: 

1. Dating and relationships – the manosphere creates the belief that there is competition between men and women, and can reinforce traditional gender roles and misogynistic beliefs. The idea of a ‘high value’ man is common within the manosphere, and portrays women as inherently untrustworthy. This is highly damaging for intimate relationships.
2. Social media, mental health and isolation – for a lot of men, the manosphere can provide a sense of community and belonging; simple answers to their frustrations or lack of confidence. However, the kind of beliefs that this space enforces can actually make finding genuine connection harder.
3. Workplace and education – the manosphere is appearing in schools (as seen in the TV series Adolescence) and workforces, with teachers reporting high numbers of sexualised comments and misogynistic humour. This has a ripple effect onto family members, classmates and colleagues. 

The manosphere is an important issue within the therapy and mental health world because these ideas are no longer staying online – they influence how people view themselves, respond to rejection, seek out relationships and relate to women. 

When these sorts of ideas enter a vulnerable space such as a therapy room, they may not be obvious at first. Men or young boys would not mention the manosphere in explicit terms, however it can become apparent when discussing loneliness, rejection, self-esteem, success and relationships. Therapy can be an important space for all affected by the manosphere to challenge beliefs without judgement and blame.

References:

https://www.unwomen.org/en/articles/explainer/what-is-the-manosphere-and-why-should-we-care

https://www.bacp.co.uk/bacp-journals/bacp-children-young-people-and-families-journal/2026/articles-september/antidoting-the-black-pill/

https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2026/mar/11/louis-theroux-inside-the-manosphere-review-why-doesnt-he-focus-more-on-the-impact-on-women