Netflix's latest series, Adolescence, delves into the concerning issue of young boys being radicalised online by men's rights activists (MRAs) such as Andrew Tate. The new series sheds light on what the Health Resources and Services Administration calls an “emerging and growing problem,” which needs immediate action. Even the Leader of the Opposition, Keir Starmer, has made a cause of addressing this menace, calling it one of the ‘biggest challenges’ of our age.
Our series brings attention to a deeply troubling trend. Teenage boys are more than ever falling under the influence of MRAs who manipulate the booming online self-improvement and self-help industry. These influencers offer young men gratifyingly simple answers to find status and approval. Most ironically, they fuel an obsession with status that is perhaps the true MRA culture. Boys are engaging less frequently at civic centers and sporting events. As a consequence, they lose out on life-changing connections with other positive adults – impacting adults like coaches, youth workers, and of course, teachers.
Indeed, Gareth Southgate, England’s footballing manager, in his recent Dimbleby lecture, laid the blame on an “epidemic of fatherlessness” as a key driver of this problem. He described how when you take away all of these strong male role models, this leaves an important space. MRAs are only too happy to slake this thirst with their own narratives.
“Do not have their best interests at heart,” Gareth Southgate warned, referring to the intentions of MRAs like Andrew Tate.
The series addresses the need for urgent and widespread interventions. These moves will encourage the development of meaningful role models and prevent the rise of dangerous radical beliefs in our young boys. Attendance to youth centres and sports activities has decreased by 80%. This erosion removes essential social forms that have long acted as buffers for youth development and nurturance.
Adolescence exposes the seductive promise of personal growth and temptation of status in MRA spaces. This seeming charm can lead and mislead young boys in a threatening direction. With the online self-help market exploding, there is a pressing need to raise awareness and educate consumers to counteract these influences.