16. March 2026
Why we cannot ignore 'The Manosphere'
Louis Theroux's recent documentary, Louis Theroux: The Manosphere, offered a disturbing look into the online spaces populated by self-proclaimed men's rights activists (MRAs) who make a living through online content creation. The attitudes and behaviours of the participants are controversial to say the least and raise crucial questions about masculinity and gender dynamics, but particularly the impact of such online rhetoric.
Many MRA’s believe themselves to be victims of a societal shift that disadvantages men. They perceive feminism as a movement seeking to tear down the definition of a man, rather than achieve genuine equality. As highlighted in our recent blog post, equal rights are not pie, but MRA's often disagree.
The language used in the manosphere documentary is often offensive, but the participants primary motivation appeared to be financial gain and attention rather than genuine MRA’s. The focus on financial success as a sign of masculinity not only portrays an unrealistic ideal, it appears the participants are financially successful only by creating offensive content to gain their followers and then encouraging these followers to literally ‘buy in’ to their lifestyle.
The misogynistic background rhetoric seeks to normalise and even justify abusive behaviours within relationships and whether the intention is to be explicit or subliminal in the sharing of these views, the harm caused is the same. Some of the ideologies promoted within these online spaces align with the tactics used by perpetrators of intimate partner violence (IPV), such as coercion, control, and emotional abuse.
Exposure to such misogynistic content online is ever increasing. A recent publication found that 7 in 10 boys had sought or encountered posts promoting misogyny and 42% of parents have heard their sons make inappropriate comments following online influence, including sexual, violent, or degrading comments about women and girls.
Theroux's documentary did not offer any answers. It painted a disturbing and complex picture of a growing social phenomenon and simply ignoring it is not an option. The documentary along with recent research highlights the widespread appeal of these ideologies, particularly among boys and young men
This underscores the need for proactive engagement and education.
At Sage Collective, we believe that the best way to counter the toxic influence of the manosphere is by addressing the root causes that draw young people to it. This means:
- Creating spaces for all genders to have open dialogue and promote positive and diverse masculinities.
- Educate all genders on equality, fairness and respectful relationships:
Join the conversation! Share your thoughts and reflections on the documentary and how it relates to our work in gender equality and healthy relationships. What strategies do you think are most effective for countering the toxic influence of the manosphere? Let's engage in a constructive and respectful dialogue and work toward building a safer and more inclusive future.