Netflix’s recently released series Adolescence has sparked discussions about the growing influence of incel culture and the darker side of online communities. The show follows a UK family grappling with the revelation that their 13-year-old son, Jamie Miller, is the prime suspect in the fatal stabbing of a female classmate. As the series unfolds, it becomes clear that Jamie, played by first-time actor Owen Cooper, was deeply influenced by the ‘manosphere’—a collection of online spaces that promote extreme views on masculinity and gender dynamics.
Filmed in a one-take style, the four-part drama sheds light on how social media exposes young minds to misogynistic ideologies. But what exactly is the ‘manosphere,’ and how does it relate to the increasingly dangerous incel subculture? Here’s what you need to know.
Understanding the Manosphere
The ‘manosphere’ refers to a network of blogs, forums, and websites where men discuss topics related to masculinity, relationships, and gender issues. While some of these platforms claim to support men struggling with identity and societal expectations, many of them devolve into spaces filled with misogyny, reinforcing outdated gender roles and promoting hostility toward women.
One of the most notorious figures associated with the manosphere is Andrew Tate, a self-proclaimed misogynist who has been widely criticized for his extreme views. Tate and similar influencers use coded language and symbols to recruit followers, often referring to The Matrix’s ‘red pill’ as a metaphor for awakening to what they see as the ‘truth’ about gender dynamics. This concept fuels resentment, particularly among young men who feel marginalized or rejected by women.
Experts warn that these communities foster a toxic form of masculinity, pushing young men toward a narrow, aggressive worldview. The influence of such ideologies is evident in Adolescence, where Jamie and other schoolchildren are shown engaging with manosphere content online, often without fully understanding its implications.
The Rise of Incel Culture
In the second episode of Adolescence, investigators visit Jamie’s school, uncovering the extent to which students are exposed to incel ideology. DI Luke Bascombe, played by Ashley Walters, is shocked when his own son deciphers a series of emojis left on Jamie’s Instagram by his victim, revealing their hidden, sinister meanings within incel circles.
The term ‘incel’ stands for ‘involuntary celibate’—a label adopted by men who believe they are unable to form romantic or sexual relationships due to factors beyond their control. Incels blame women for their perceived rejection and often express deep-seated anger toward feminism. Some even advocate for regressive gender policies, including coercion and enforced monogamy.
A 2022 study published in Current Psychiatry Reports highlights the dangers of incel forums, noting that these spaces frequently discuss reversing gender equality through disturbing means, such as coercion or violence. Although extreme incidents are rare, incel ideology has been linked to real-world violence. One of the most infamous cases was the 2018 Toronto van attack, in which an attacker deliberately drove into pedestrians, killing 10 people. He later claimed he was inspired by incel ideology and sought to target as many people as possible.
Adolescence Sparks Calls for Awareness
The creators of Adolescence hope the show serves as a wake-up call. Co-creator Stephen Graham has urged UK Parliament to screen the series in schools to educate students on the dangers of online radicalization. Writer Jack Thorne echoed this sentiment, stating, ‘I want it to be shown in schools, I want it to be shown in Parliament. It’s crucial because this is only going to get worse.’
The issue has even caught the attention of political leaders. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer recently acknowledged the growing problem of online radicalization among young men, calling the violence inspired by these ideologies ‘abhorrent’ and emphasizing the need for action.
The Need for Intervention
As social media continues to shape young minds, the rise of incel culture poses a serious threat. Adolescence highlights how easily teenagers can be drawn into toxic online spaces, making it crucial for parents, educators, and policymakers to address these dangers head-on. Increased awareness, digital literacy programs, and open conversations about healthy masculinity could be key in countering the harmful narratives perpetuated by the manosphere.
With the right interventions, we can prevent more young men from falling into these dark online communities and ensure a safer, more equitable future for everyone.