What are boys and young men finding online when they search for advice about masculinity, relationships, and fitness — or even just scroll through their “for you” feed? Algorithms and persuasive influencers can quickly guide young men into the “manosphere” — a network of online communities where healthy self-improvement tips often mix with rigid, exaggerated, misogynistic, and harmful views on gender and relationships.
While the content of the manosphere varies and may sometimes appear harmless at first glance, prolonged exposure can shape young people’s real-world behavior, attitudes toward women, mental health, relationships, and even physical health.
Join Children and Screens for our next #AskTheExperts webinar “Navigating the Manosphere: Harmful Online Masculinity Content and Youth” on Wednesday, October 28 at 5:30pm ET on Zoom. Expert panelists will discuss the pathways that lead youth to the manosphere, the impact of engagement in these spaces on their beliefs, behavior, and well-being, and how parents and educators can help young people critically evaluate the messages they encounter while supporting healthier expressions of masculinity.