How algorithms, alpha males and tradwives are winning the war for kids’ minds

June 30, 2025

In the wake of the 2024 election, educators and advocates are increasingly concerned about the growing influence of the "manosphere" - a network of online influencers promoting male supremacy and far-right ideologies - on young people, particularly boys and young men. The article explores how social media algorithms funnel teens toward misogynistic content through initially innocent searches related to fitness, appearance, or social skills. Students report noticing changes in their peers' behavior, including increased sexist remarks, while educators like Jessica Berg are implementing gender studies courses to help students critically analyze these harmful online trends.

Who is affected

Young men and boys (especially ages 18-23) exposed to manosphere content
Teenage girls confronted with tradwife trends and experiencing harassment
High school and college students noticing increased sexism among peers
Educators trying to counter these influences
Parents concerned about their children's online exposure
Women and girls who are the targets of misogynistic rhetoric and behavior
Socially conscious students struggling to avoid toxic content

What action is being taken

Educators like Jessica Berg are teaching gender studies courses that cover digital misogyny
Organizations like PERIL and the Southern Poverty Law Center have released guides like "Not Just a Joke" to help adults recognize radicalization signs
Feminist Generation, a youth-led organization, is actively opposing authoritarianism
The AMAZE project is creating alternative content that provides healthy information about sexuality and relationships
Students are engaging in activism and challenging their peers' sexist remarks
It's On Us nonprofit is fighting campus sexual assault
AMAZE is consulting with youth through Equimundo's Link Up Lab to develop appropriate online materials
Mothers Against Media Addiction is encouraging parents to co-view content with their children

Why it matters

Nearly half of young men trust at least one manosphere influencer according to Equimundo's report
10% of boys ages 11-14 encounter harmful content within 60 seconds of going online
The manosphere has been blamed for young men's rightward shift in the 2024 election
These online movements promote potentially dangerous ideologies that can lead to misogyny, harassment, and in extreme cases, violence
Social isolation makes youth more vulnerable, with 65% of young men reporting that no one knows them well
55% of young men believe "men have it harder than women"
These trends create confusion about gender roles and relationships for both young men and women
The online content affects real-world behavior, including increased harassment and sexist remarks in schools

What's next

AMAZE plans to release a video in the fall addressing "looksmaxxing," a dangerous trend linked to steroid use and DIY body modification
Organizations are working to scale preventative models in communities nationwide
Advocates are calling for social media companies to enforce content moderation rules and release transparency reports about protecting young people
Experts recommend early discussions with children about toxic content before harmful ideologies take root
AMAZE will continue targeting adolescents with healthy education about relationships and puberty

Read full article from source: The 19th