Understanding the Manosphere

What Every Parent Needs to Know in the Wake of Netflix’s Adolescence

The Netflix hit Adolescence has gripped audiences with its stark and emotional portrayal of modern teenage life — from the pressures of social media to the dark undercurrents of online radicalisation. While the show is fictional, it’s opened up a very real and timely conversation about one of the most dangerous online subcultures influencing young people today: the manosphere.

Adolescence isn’t just another moody teen drama. It’s struck a nerve — with parents, educators, and young people alike — for one simple reason: it feels real. The Netflix series dives headfirst into the digital underworld many parents don’t even know exists, portraying how ordinary boys can be pulled into toxic online communities with frightening ease.

Unlike other teen shows that romanticise rebellion or skirt around uncomfortable truths, Adolescence dares to go there. It shows the subtle breadcrumb trail of YouTube algorithms, meme culture, emoji code, and viral influencers — mapping how isolation, insecurity, and confusion can quietly lead boys down radical paths.

Critics have praised the series for its nuanced storytelling and raw performances, but what’s really driving its success is the ripple effect: parents are having difficult conversations, teachers are requesting workshops, and teenagers are finally seeing themselves — and their screens — represented with brutal honesty.

If you’re a parent wondering what the manosphere is, how it might be affecting your child, and what you can do to protect them, this Guide To is for you.

What Is the Manosphere?

The manosphere is a loosely connected online network of blogs, forums, YouTube channels, podcasts, and influencers centered around issues that affect men — or, more accurately, how some men perceive the world is stacked against them. On the surface, it can appear as a place for men to discuss mental health, dating, fitness, or masculinity. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll find parts of the manosphere promoting toxic, misogynistic ideologies — some even drifting into radicalisation.

This is not just about a few angry men shouting into the void. The manosphere is now a digital ecosystem with millions of followers, viral content, and real-world influence. It’s shaping how many boys and young men see themselves, their relationships, and — most worryingly — women.

Why Is The Manosphere Suddenly in the Spotlight?

Netflix’s Adolescence hit a nerve. It’s a chilling, realistic portrayal that mirrors headlines from the past few years. From the arrest of Andrew Tate — a controversial influencer often associated with manosphere rhetoric — to growing concerns among educators and parents about misogyny in schools, this conversation has been simmering. Adolescence just turned up the heat.

For many parents, the show is a wake-up call.

What Are the Core Beliefs of the Manosphere?

The manosphere isn’t one unified movement. It’s a messy web of groups and beliefs. But there are some recurring themes:

• Red Pill Ideology: Borrowed from The Matrix, this refers to “waking up” to the supposed truth that society is controlled by feminism and that men are the real oppressed gender. It positions women as manipulative and untrustworthy, and claims that traditional masculinity is under attack.
• Men’s Rights Activism (MRA): Some MRAs focus on legitimate concerns — like male suicide rates or bias in family courts. But many in this space use these issues to justify hostility toward women and feminism.
• Pick-Up Artists (PUAs): This group focuses on teaching men how to “seduce” women through manipulation, often viewing relationships as a game of control and conquest.
• Incels (Involuntary Celibates): A darker and more dangerous corner of the manosphere, incels are often extremely misogynistic, blaming women for their loneliness and promoting harmful, sometimes violent views.
• Alpha/Beta Narratives: Many manosphere influencers divide men into ‘alphas’ (dominant, successful) and ‘betas’ (weak, subservient). Boys are told to become ‘alphas’ at all costs — through physical dominance, emotional coldness, and sexual conquest.

Why Does the Manosphere Appeal to Some Teenagers?

To many boys, especially those who feel awkward, isolated, or confused, the manosphere can seem like a lifeline. Here’s why:

• Sense of Belonging: These communities offer a place where boys feel heard, often when they feel no one else is listening.
  
• Clear Rules: The manosphere presents life as a game with clear rules: do X to get Y. For teens facing the chaos of puberty and identity, this can be alluring.
  
• Male Role Models: Many influencers in the manosphere present themselves as successful, confident, and in control — offering young boys a model of who they could become.
  
• Anti-Establishment Messaging: Teenagers often rebel against authority. The manosphere plays into this by telling boys they’re uncovering secrets that teachers, parents, and the media don’t want them to know.
  

What Are the Dangers Parents Need to Know Now?

Not every boy who watches a manosphere video becomes radicalised. But exposure to this content can:

• Skew Relationship Expectations: Boys may come to view girls as objects or adversaries, not equals.
• Normalize Misogyny: Repeated exposure to harmful ideas can make sexist beliefs seem acceptable or even justified.
• Fuel Anxiety and Depression: Despite their macho exteriors, manosphere influencers often peddle fear — that women will cheat, that the world is rigged, that failure is inevitable unless you follow them.
• Isolate Boys Further: As boys adopt more extreme views, they can become alienated from friends, family, and society — driving them deeper into these echo chambers.

In the most extreme cases, this has led to real-world violence. Several mass attacks have been linked to individuals with ties to manosphere ideologies, particularly the incel community.

Spotting the Signs: Is Your Child Being Influenced by The Manosphere?

It’s not always obvious, but there are some red flags:

• Language Changes: Phrases like “red pill,” “simp,” “alpha,” “beta,” or “feminazi” might start cropping up in conversation.
  
• Increased Hostility Toward Women or Girls: Dismissive or aggressive attitudes towards female classmates, siblings, or celebrities.
  
• Obsession With ‘Self-Improvement’ Content: Constant viewing of content about getting rich, becoming dominant, or “winning” at life — especially if it’s tied to gender roles.
  
• Withdrawal: A sudden distance from friends or activities they used to enjoy, replaced by hours of online content.
  
• Secretive Behaviour Online: Clearing browser history, using incognito mode, or refusing to share what they’re watching.

Decoding the Language: Emojis and Slang in the Manosphere

In Adolescence, one of the pivotal moments in the plot comes not from violence or confrontation, but from a simple emoji. The kidney bean, innocuous on the surface, is used as a covert symbol for incels — a kind of digital dog whistle only those “in the know” would understand.

This isn’t fiction. In real online communities, emojis, slang, and seemingly innocent phrases are often used to bypass moderation, hide in plain sight, or create a sense of exclusivity. It’s a form of coded language — and it’s everywhere.

Here are some symbols, emojis, and phrases parents should be aware of:

🫘 (Kidney Bean emoji)

As seen in Adolescence, this emoji has been co-opted in some online incel spaces as a subtle stand-in for “beaning” — slang derived from obscure forum jokes or as a euphemism for male frustration or emasculation. It can signal membership to incel ideology in a way adults may overlook.

“Chad” and “Stacy”

These names are commonly used in manosphere circles:

• Chad is the ‘alpha male’ archetype — tall, good-looking, gets all the girls.
• Stacy is the attractive woman who only dates Chads and ignores “nice guys.” These names can come up in memes, jokes, or even just day-to-day chat, often used to reinforce negative stereotypes.
  

“Simp”

Once light-hearted, this term now often implies a boy or man who shows kindness or respect to a woman — and is mocked for it. In manosphere ideology, “simps” are weak, submissive, and not “real men.”

“Black Pill”

A darker evolution of the Red Pill. Believers of the Black Pill believe that nothing can change their fate — often resulting in fatalism, nihilism, and sometimes even violent ideation. This term can show up in meme form or hashtags like #blackpilled.

🐸 (Pepe the Frog)

Originally an innocent meme, Pepe was co-opted by far-right and extremist groups, including some in the manosphere. Its meaning varies depending on the context, but consistent use in certain meme formats or comment threads can signal deeper involvement in fringe communities.

“High Value Male”

A term frequently used in influencer content that ties masculinity to wealth, dominance, and sexual success. Boys who start consuming this type of content may suddenly become fixated on “status” or ranking themselves and others.

How Can Parents Protect Their Children?

The internet can be a minefield for many parenting concerns, keeping children safe involves us all to be proactive, present, and informed. Here are some steps you can take at home:

1. Create an Open Space for Conversation

Start early. Encourage open conversations about gender, identity, relationships, and online content. Ask questions like:

• “Have you ever come across videos where men talk about ‘alpha’ behaviour?”

• “What do your friends think about dating and relationships?”

• “Do you think social media creates pressure to be a certain way?”

Avoid judgment. The moment your child feels attacked or shamed, they’ll shut down — or worse, turn to the manosphere for validation.

2. Understand the Content They’re Consuming

You don’t have to monitor every click, but get curious:

• Who are their favourite YouTubers or TikTokers?

• What podcasts or channels do they follow?

• What are their For You Page or YouTube recommendations showing them?

• Watch or listen with them if you can. Use these moments as entry points for discussion.

3. Teach Digital Literacy

Help your child understand how algorithms work. Explain how platforms push extreme content because it keeps people engaged — not because it’s true or healthy.

Teach them to ask:

• Who’s behind this video or message?

• What are they trying to sell me — a product, a worldview, a lifestyle?

• How does this content make me feel?

• Critical thinking is the antidote to manipulation.

4. Be the Role Model They Need

Boys need positive male role models who can show them that strength comes from empathy, respect, and integrity — not dominance or control.

Whether it’s a father figure, uncle, coach, or teacher, highlight men who are kind, emotionally intelligent, and supportive of women.

And as parents — regardless of gender — model healthy relationships, communication, and respect at home.

5. Set Boundaries Without Shutting Doors

If you’re concerned about specific influencers or content, block or limit them, but always pair this with explanation and dialogue. Simply banning content can backfire and drive curiosity underground.

Use parental controls thoughtfully — not as a replacement for trust, but as a safety net while conversations are ongoing.

6. Seek Support If You’re Worried

If you notice serious changes in your child’s behaviour, don’t be afraid to seek help. School counsellors, therapists, and youth support services are trained to deal with these issues.

You’re not overreacting — you’re protecting your child.

Where Do We Go From Here?

The manosphere isn’t going away anytime soon. If anything, it’s evolving — more polished, more persuasive, and more embedded in online culture. But we’re not powerless.

Adolescence is a fictional story, but it reflects a painful reality for many families. The good news is that you can have a positive impact. With open conversations, digital literacy, and a lot of compassion, you can help your child navigate the online world safely — and grow into someone who challenges harmful ideas rather than falling victim to them.

Parental controls like Kidslox can be a helpful tool when used as part of a wider, trust-based approach. Think of them as digital training wheels: filters, time limits, and app restrictions create safe boundaries while your teen learns to navigate the online world. Be open about why you’re using them, involve your child in setting the boundaries, and regularly revisit them together. When teens understand that controls are there to support, not spy, they’re far more likely to engage positively — and come to you if something feels wrong.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the manosphere is not about demonising your child or every male influencer online. It’s about staying informed, noticing patterns, and creating a strong foundation of trust and communication.