The portrayal of the experiences of young people in TV shows like Netflix’s Adolescence and the rise of social media influencers like Andrew Tate highlight a growing cultural shift that many professionals, parents, and carers find deeply concerning.
Misogynistic influencers and toxic online messaging are reaching young people at an alarming rate, shaping their views on gender, relationships, and power dynamics in ways that can be difficult to challenge. With online spaces evolving rapidly, many people working with young people feel they are struggling to keep up or are unable counter the impact of online experiences.
This article explores the rise of misogynistic thinking among young people, the forces driving it, and, most importantly, how we can support and guide young people towards a respectful approach.
Misogyny is the dislike of, contempt for, or prejudice against women and girls. It shapes the way children and young people view gender, relationships, and themselves. Misogyny can manifest subtly, such as dismissing girls’ opinions or reinforcing harmful stereotypes, or can escalate into more overt forms, like harassment, discrimination, and violence.
In today’s digital world, young people are increasingly exposed to misogynistic content online, through social media, gaming platforms, and influencers promoting harmful gender norms. These messages influence how boys see and treat girls, how girls view themselves, and how all young people understand equality and respect. Addressing misogyny early is essential to help children and young people develop healthy, respectful attitudes.
Language constantly evolves, especially in the digital age, where new terms emerge and shift in meaning, influencing how young people understand the world.
Toxic masculinity is a set of cultural norms that pressure men to behave in aggressive, dominant, or emotionally repressed ways. Misogyny refers to hatred towards, contempt for, or prejudice against women, often leading to discrimination or harmful attitudes. Misandry is the dislike of or prejudice against men, which is often brought up in discussions as a counter to misogyny.
The manosphere is a collection of online communities promoting misogynistic beliefs, including the idea of hypergamy (women seeking higher-status men) and the 80:20 rule (80% of women are only interested in the top 20% of men).
Men are often categorised within the manosphere as alpha or beta males based on perceived dominance and attractiveness, often linked to manosphere ideologies. The term incel, short for ‘involuntary celibate’, refers to men who believe they are unable to attract women and often blame feminism or society for their struggles.
The terms red pill and black pill originate from a concept described in the film, The Matrix. Online, this metaphor has been adopted by various groups, to describe what they see as the hidden truths about gender dynamics and society. Taking the ‘red pill’ means rejecting feminism and mainstream narratives about gender equality. The ‘black pill’ ideology suggests that men’s social and romantic success is entirely predetermined by genetics and appearance, often leading to a fatalistic worldview.
Sexting is sending or receiving sexually explicit messages, photos, or videos, often via smartphones or social media. In the UK, it is a criminal offence to create or share explicit images of a child. Digital grooming is the process of predators manipulating young people online, which can be connected to issues like sexting.
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