In recent years, the online space has also become a breeding ground for some virtual communities that revolve around male identity, gender relations and the grievances related to them. A term used to describe these communities is the manosphere. In practice, a network of forums, influencers and digital subcultures that promote diverse views: from masculine personal development to radical and deeply controversial positions. Although they are not the only target audience, teenagers are the most vulnerable to messages from manosphere.
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What does incel mean?
One of the most controversial terms associated with the manosphere is incel — abbreviation of involuntary celibacy. The word describes people (especially men) who desire romantic or sexual relationships but are unable to obtain them, and who, in certain contexts, may have hostile speech toward women or society. Examples:
- explain relationship failure by external factors (physical appearance, social status, blame women or “the system”);
- often promotes a fatalistic view (“you have no chance no matter what you do”);
- in extreme cases, the term has been linked to violence and radicalization online.
Red pill and black pill
In the context of the manosphere, the terms red pill and black pill they are metaphors taken from the film Matrix and used to describe ways of interpreting relationships, society and the roles of women and men. Their meanings, however, differ greatly from the original reference.
A “take the red pill” means, in the manosphere, “waking up to reality”that is, to accept the idea that:
- relationships between men and women are governed by power, status and biology;
- women would be mainly interested in men with high social status, money or attractiveness;
- society would favor women and disadvantage men.
In this speech: the man is encouraged to become more dominant, more “alpha”; empathy, vulnerability vulnerability or equality are often seen as weaknesses and feminism is seen as a cause of male problems. Red pill it promises that if you “understand the rules of the game” and adapt, you can succeed.
Black pill it is a much more radical and pessimistic version. A “take the black pill” means to believe that:
- romantic success is determined almost exclusively by genetics (physical appearance, height, traits);
- if you don't fit the standards, you don't stand a chance, no matter what you do;
- personal effort, development or change are useless.
Unlike red pillremoves all hope and justifies passivity or resentment.
The most famous influencers in the manosphere
The most famous public figures associated with the manosphere and the ideas promoted are:
- Andrew Tate. The Romanian-based influencer promotes a vision of masculinity based on dominance, money and control over women.
- Myron Gaines and Walter Weekes (Fresh&Fit). The two are the hosts of a popular podcast in the US known for discussing relationships. Although they present themselves as a “real talk” space, their content is frequently criticized for misogyny and aggressive generalizations.
- Sneako. Influencer who moved from content of lifestyle to increasingly radical discourses, inspired by ideology red pill. He is popular among young people due to his provocative style and constant presence on video platforms.
- Rollo Tomassi. He is the author of the book The Rational Maleconsidered a basic text of the ideology red pill.
- Jordan Peterson. A clinical psychologist in Canada and author of books translated around the world, Peterson does not explicitly claim to be from the manosphere, but is frequently quoted and appreciated in these communities.
Why does this all matter?
Although many communities in the manosphere claim to be aimed at adult males, in practice, a significant part of the content reaches and takes root especially among teenagers and young men in training. The first romantic failures, the insecurities related to appearance or social status, common in these periods are exploited by the discourses of the manosphere. Simple and polarizing messages can appear persuasive and influence perceptions of society, women and desirable values.
Social media algorithms that favor provocative or controversial content can facilitate access to ideas associated with the manosphere. It is important to note, however, that not all teenagers who come into contact with such ideas become followers. Many access such content out of curiosity or as a form of rebellion. However, experts point out that repeated exposure and lack of healthy examples can normalize misogyny and cynicism.
