This Is How The Manosphere Draws Boys In – And What Parents Are Doing About It

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This Is How The Manosphere Draws Boys In – And What Parents Are Doing About It

This article explores how the manosphere—a network of online male-dominated communities—attracts teenage boys through content on masculinity, success, and identity. It also highlights growing concerns among parents and educators about the influence of these communities and the steps being taken to protect and guide youth.

Sultan Sikander

June 18, 2025

4Min Reads

Online Communities

This Is How The Manosphere Draws Boys In – And What Parents Are Doing About It

The manosphere isn't a single website or community. It's a loose but growing network of online spaces where men gather to discuss masculinity, identity, dating, power, and social roles. Some of these communities appear harmless at first glance, offering confidence-building tips, fitness routines, or discussions on mental health. But beneath that surface, many of these digital spaces quickly evolve into echo chambers filled with toxic masculinity, sexism, and even hate.

In 2025, the manosphere is not hidden in dark corners of the internet—it’s right out in the open. From YouTube and TikTok to Reddit threads and Discord servers, this digital world is now reaching boys as young as 12. Its messages are more accessible than ever, often masked behind self-help content, motivational advice, or “truth bombs” that claim to offer real answers that society supposedly hides.

Boys are especially vulnerable to these spaces because they’re at a stage in life where they’re forming their identities and trying to understand their place in the world. They might feel misunderstood, isolated, or insecure. The manosphere provides what appears to be a solution: clear rules, structured hierarchies, and language that resonates with their frustrations. It tells them that the world is stacked against men, that women can’t be trusted, and that becoming “alpha” is the only way to gain respect.

What starts with innocent curiosity can quickly turn into something deeper. A boy searching for dating advice might land on a YouTube video titled “5 Ways to Be More Confident Around Girls.” That video might link to another titled “The Harsh Truth About Modern Women,” and before long, he's being fed a steady stream of content promoting misogyny, resentment, and rigid gender roles. Social media algorithms play a major role here, feeding users more of the same kind of content they engage with—even if that content becomes darker over time.

The impact shows up in the real world. Some parents have noticed their sons using unfamiliar phrases like “red-pilled,” “beta male,” or “female nature.” Others notice a growing sense of detachment from friends or family, increased time spent online in secrecy, or an abrupt change in attitude toward women. In schools, teachers have reported students echoing manosphere slogans, mocking girls, or resisting efforts to promote gender equality.

Parents and educators are now being forced to take this seriously. The first step many experts recommend is awareness. Parents should learn about the manosphere, understand the kind of content their children are being exposed to, and start open conversations without judgment. Asking simple questions like “What kind of videos do you watch?” or “Have you ever heard someone say ‘alpha male’ online?” can open the door to meaningful discussions.

Some families are taking the extra step of watching these videos themselves to better understand the mindset being promoted. By doing so, they’re better prepared to challenge harmful narratives and provide accurate, balanced perspectives. Others are focusing on modeling healthy masculinity—encouraging boys to express emotion, treat everyone with respect, and understand that strength isn’t about dominance or control.

Schools are also beginning to address the problem by integrating lessons on online safety, emotional intelligence, and media literacy into their curriculum. These efforts aim to equip students with the tools to recognize manipulation, resist extremist content, and build empathy. A few schools in the UK and Australia have started pilot programs focused specifically on helping boys navigate masculinity in a modern world.

Beyond the home and school, communities are stepping in. Sports teams, youth clubs, and volunteer groups are being used as positive spaces where boys can form healthy relationships, learn cooperation, and find role models who promote respect and inclusion. Mental health professionals are also emphasizing the need for early intervention, especially when boys show signs of emotional withdrawal, obsessive online behavior, or belief in extreme ideologies.

Ultimately, the rise of the manosphere is a reflection of a broader social challenge. Boys are looking for purpose, guidance, and identity—and if society doesn’t provide that in a healthy way, they’ll find it elsewhere, even in the darkest corners of the internet. The solution isn’t to punish or shame them, but to support and guide them with understanding, education, and strong role models.

In a world where online communities have the power to shape minds and values, families, educators, and communities must work together. By staying informed, talking openly, and creating real-world spaces for connection and belonging, they can help boys grow into thoughtful, respectful, and emotionally healthy men.