Young men and the manosphere: what Louis Theroux's documentary gets right

What the manosphere tells us about young men today

The themes explored in Louis Theroux: Inside the Manosphere reflect something Movember's research has been highlighting for several years - that young men are growing up in a digital world where ideas about masculinity are being shaped by powerful online algorithms and influencers.

Our global research shows that nearly two thirds of young men engage with masculinity influencers online. While some find the content motivating, others report feeling worse about themselves, and frequent viewers show higher levels of psychological distress and more rigid attitudes about gender and relationships.

Young men aren't the problem

But it is important to remember that young men themselves are not the problem. Many are searching for guidance, motivation and direction at a time when traditional ideas of manhood are rapidly changing. When the loudest voices online promote dominance, extreme wealth and physical perfection as the only measures of success, it can leave many young men feeling isolated or not good enough, and more likely to take on risky health behaviours, such as steroid use, gambling or over-exercising.

Ditch the "toxic" label

Labelling masculinity as "toxic" does not help solve this challenge. Shame shuts down conversation and makes it harder for young men to seek support. Instead, we need to create space for healthier, more realistic and more connected visions of masculinity.

What Movember is doing about it

That is why Movember is investing in new solutions that work with young men and the platforms shaping their world. Through initiatives like the Young Men & Media Collective, we are bringing together creators, platforms, and researchers to develop content that speaks directly to young men and offers alternative, healthier ideas about what it means to be a man.

A better digital world for young men

Young men deserve a digital environment that supports their wellbeing, not one that profits from their insecurity. Changing that will require collaboration between platforms, creators, researchers and communities - and listening to young men themselves about the kind of future they want.