What does Netflix's series Adolescence tell us about male social pressure and self-esteem?

"The Manosphere"

A trending term that encompasses an online community for men looking to fight against the progressive wokeness of gender equality, with the underlying belief that men are dominant and superior. 

Self proclaimed  misogynist, Andrew Tate is a household name amongst this community, whose messaging includes the notion that women are inferior and morally deficient beings that are good for sex , comparable to cars, and worth only as much as they are able to please a man. 

Tate has been charged and investigated for human trafficking, and rape in Romania.

"How men/boys find themselves in the manosphere"

Personal struggles, self-esteem, social media and social pressure can all open the doors for young men to find a sense of community within this internet space.

Some men may see feminism and rising equality as a threat to their masculinity and perception of gender roles and success.

Loneliness, depression, and lack of emotional support can increase vulnerability to seek connection and belonging within extremist groups.

Social media algorithms and male-dominated forums gradually introduce them to radical content, often disguised as self-improvement advice. Influencers and online communities provide a sense of belonging, reinforcing the idea that feminism and gender equality are to blame for their problems.

"Mens mental health"

According to the Canadian Men's Health Foundation, approximately one million men suffer from major depression in Canada each year. Adding to that, men tend to not use available mental health services, with statistics indicating that only around 30% of people who use mental health services are men. Further, males are almost three times more likely to die by suicide than females.

Male mental health is a growing concern, but with the rising perception that vulnerability is weakness, and the societal expectations of masculinity (promoted in the mansophere), men are less likely to reach out for help.

"The result"

Unfortunately, a scary but possible outcome is what Netflix’s Adolescence portrays.

The Statistics Canada 2023 report on gender-related homicides highlights how men and boys are overwhelmingly responsible for the killings of women and girls, often within intimate and family relationships.

Some communities within the manosphere glorify or justify attacks on women.

High-profile cases like Elliot Rodger’s mass killing (2014) and Alek Minassian’s Toronto van attack (2018) were influenced by these beliefs.

"What is the solution?"

Many men turn to the manosphere because they lack healthy outlets for pain, loneliness, and insecurity. Normalizing therapy and emotional intelligence development can help men cope without resorting to misogyny or violence.

By tackling toxic masculinity at its roots, regulating harmful online spaces, and making therapy more accessible to men, we can help steer vulnerable young men away from the manosphere and toward healthier, more fulfilling lives.

The pressure to be tough, to suppress your emotions, and to handle everything alone is heavy. But you don’t have to carry that weight. It’s okay to feel vulnerable, to ask for help, and to express your emotions. You are worthy of love and respect, just as you are.

You are not broken. Healing is possible, and you deserve to feel whole. It’s never too late to start, and I’m here to help you on this journey when you're ready.

 You are enough.