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How ‘misogyny influencers’ cater to young men’s anxieties

Mar 24, 2025

How Misogyny Influencers Cater to Young Men's Anxieties

Introduction

  • Growing concern from parents, teachers, and politicians about online misogyny influencers appealing to boys and young men.
  • Influencers provide content on relationships, mental health, and success, impacting young men's beliefs about gender roles and relationships.
  • Research into the appeal of these influencers suggests societal failure to address young men's challenges.

Understanding Misogyny Influencers

  • Misogyny: Defined broadly as overt hate towards women, and sharing sexist ideas about both genders.

Factors Influencing Appeal

  1. Push Factors
    • Situational aspects where young men feel disadvantaged (e.g., women achieving more in workplaces and education).
  2. Pull Factors
    • Use of appealing visuals and social media tactics.
    • Creating emotional responses through extreme messaging and community building.
  3. Personal Factors
    • Vulnerability in young men due to societal pressures on masculinity.
    • Social isolation or pressure to conform to dominant masculinity ideals.

Challenges in Young Men's Views on Consent

  • Boys express a desire for consensual interactions but face complexities in understanding consent.
  • Concerns about legal repercussions of non-consensual sex claims.
  • Hostile sentiments towards women, feeling these concerns are not heard.
  • Reflects deeper anxieties not addressed by society.

Idealised Masculinity and Influencers

  • Influencers like Andrew Tate provide narratives that resonate with young men.
  • Critique of progressive gender politics and advocacy for traditional gender roles.
  • These messages validate male grievances and present a simplified masculinity notion.
  • Research indicates boys hold diverse views on masculinity, not all seek to emulate influencers entirely.

Rebellion and Risk

  • Attraction to risky and rebellious behavior as a form of resistance to adult norms.
  • Need for credible alternatives to influencers' messages rather than just condemnation.

Conclusion

  • Current societal struggles with defining gender roles complicate offering alternatives.
  • Need to listen to and engage with young men about misogyny beliefs and societal roles.

Additional Resources

  • Articles discussing online safety, Andrew Tate's influence, and feminist critiques.