Toxic masculinity is rising, influencing young men

Experts are raising concerns about the rise of "toxic masculinity," which is becoming more visible through online influencers. This trend is linked to a resurgence of far-right beliefs and a backlash against feminism. A notable case is that of Kyle Clifford, who was sentenced in the UK for murdering three women. His trial revealed he had watched videos by Andrew Tate, a controversial influencer popular among young men. Andrew Tate has over 10 million followers on X and promotes a violent view of masculinity. While he was banned from Instagram and TikTok for his misogynistic statements, his account on X was restored when Elon Musk acquired the platform. Currently, Tate and his brother Tristan are facing serious legal issues in Romania but have moved to Florida, where they are under investigation. Experts believe there is a growing normalization of misogyny and violence against women. Jacob Johanssen, a communications professor, notes that the increasing visibility of the "manosphere" aligns with the rise of right-wing populism. This "manosphere" comprises online communities that often promote negative views of women. According to Joshua Thorburn, there is a crisis in masculinity as many men feel alienated in today's unstable world. Online forums meant for men to discuss mental health and loneliness can also harbor toxic discussions about women. These platforms often provide content related to dating, health, and financial advice, which can attract young men. A 15-year-old from London, Alistair, shared that he enjoys content from the manosphere, including influencers like Andrew Tate. He believes these channels offer valuable life advice. However, some content explores negative views on women, which raises concerns about its impact on young viewers. Recently, a British TV series titled "Adolescence" has been praised for addressing the influence of online misogyny through a story about a young boy who commits murder. The creators aim to highlight how boys are affected by these harmful messages. Former England football manager Gareth Southgate also criticized toxic influencers for misleading young men about success and societal expectations.