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.

• Online safety: young people's views on social media and regulation
• Andrew Tate and extreme masculinity