Louis Theroux: Inside the Manosphere

The recent Louis Theroux documentary exploring the online “manosphere” has sparked an important conversation about masculinity, online culture and the messages boys and young men are exposed to today. 

Some online influencers promote harmful ideas about women, relationships and power. These narratives can shape attitudes about masculinity, respect and equality, particularly when they reach young audiences through social media platforms. 

But this issue does not exist in isolation. 

Over many years, we have seen the closure or loss of spaces such as youth clubs, community centers and sports facilities, where boys and young men could talk openly about identity, relationships and masculinity. When those spaces disappear, the internet often fills the gap. 

At the same time, social media platforms play a powerful role in shaping what young people see. Algorithms frequently amplify the most controversial and extreme voices because they drive engagement. 

Concerns about young people’s safety online have led to suggestions such as banning smartphones or limiting social media use. However, these approaches often place responsibility on individual users rather than on the platforms themselves. 

Technology companies have the resources and expertise to design safer environments, and must take greater responsibility for the systems they build and the content they amplify. 

Preventing violence against women and girls means addressing the attitudes that sit behind it, long before harm takes place. As highlighted in our report with the Open University, “The Case for Investing in Primary Prevention: Ending Men’s Violence Against Women,” long-term change requires investment in prevention that challenges harmful attitudes and promotes healthier models of masculinity. 

Parents, carers and other trusted adults also play an important role. While it is important to consider how social media is regulated, it is equally important that adults approach these discussions with care, helping young people navigate online spaces thoughtfully and critically. 

At White Ribbon UK, we work with men and boys to promote respectful relationships and challenge harmful attitudes that contribute to violence against women and girls. 

Through our work with schools, workplaces, communities and Accredited organisations, we support environments where conversations about masculinity, equality and respect can happen openly. 

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