Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1544021
15 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 22 MARCH 2026 FEATURE manosphere's quiet rise among Maltese boys Karl Azzopardi explores the harmful ideology of misogyny targeting young men and boys audacious and daring stuff is the one which gets the clicks and views." This creates a feedback loop: extreme content gains traction, reaches wider audiences, and is further amplified by platforms optimised for engagement. Some influencers, as highlighted in the documentary, even admit they do not fully believe the views they pro- mote, but continue because it is prof- itable. Such views include anti-Semi- tism, racism and misogyny. Parliamentary Secretary for Reform Rebecca Buttigieg warned these plat- forms have become central to how young people seek guidance. Boys and young men are increasingly turning to influencers for advice on relation- ships, fitness and identity — often en- countering rigid and outdated ideas about gender roles. "These narratives are increasingly being amplified by social media algo- rithms that reward provocative and polarising content," she said. Even in Malta, where experts say the issue is not yet fully entrenched, the language and ideas of the manosphere are already filtering into online spac- es, particularly among younger boys. Reaction to new civil liberties Another key driver is what some ex- perts describe as a backlash to rapid social change. Zerafa acknowledged the introduc- tion of new rights and civil liberties in a relatively short period has created a sense of disorientation for some men. "There is some truth to this, there is a reaction to that new reality," she says. When long-held beliefs about gen- der roles are challenged, some indi- viduals experience what psychologists call cognitive dissonance — a discom- fort that arises when reality conflicts with ingrained views. Without proper communication or guidance, this can lead to rejection of new ideas alto- gether. Lawyer Martina Caruana, who has spoken to secondary school students about feminism and misogyny, said she was struck by how quickly some boys adopt these views. What may begin as boundary-testing can evolve into gradual radicalisation. She also pointed to economic chang- es as a factor. As more women enter the workforce, traditional notions of male financial dominance are erod- ed. "We rarely speak about financial violence," she noted, adding that this shift can be perceived as a loss of con- trol, prompting resentment. At the same time, traditional role models have become less visible. Boys who once looked to their fathers — of- ten the sole breadwinners — now nav- igate a more complex and less clear- ly defined landscapes. In their place, online figures, athletes and musicians often fill the gap, not always offering healthy or balanced perspectives. Solving the problem There is broad agreement that there is no quick fix. Addressing the manosphere requires a long-term, multi-layered approach centred on education, communication and early intervention. James Buhagiar from Men Against Violence stressed the need for struc- tured planning and education on gender roles and ethics. Dimitrijevic added the key is reaching boys early — ideally in classrooms — before they are exposed to harmful online influ- ences. "We need to provide safe spaces for these boys to express themselves," he said, while also calling for political will to address the role of algorithms in shaping online behaviour. Zerafa emphasised the importance of dialogue over confrontation. She argued that dismissing or attacking those who engage with manosphere content can be counterproductive. Instead, she advocates for open con- versations that seek to understand underlying frustrations while firmly challenging harmful ideas. "We as a society have to communi- cate and discuss without fighting," she said. Caruana echoed the need for both school-and home-based education, alongside better regulation of access to online platforms. Crucially, she added, boys must be allowed to express vulnerability — something often discouraged by tra- ditional notions of masculinity. Government initiatives are also un- derway. Buttigieg highlighted new ed- ucational material introduced into the curriculum focusing on gender equal- ity, healthy relationships and digital citizenship, alongside national aware- ness campaigns. Ultimately, the aim is not only to counter harmful ideologies, but to create an environment where both boys and girls can develop free from restrictive expectations. "This is not just about protect- ing girls, but about creating a world where boys and girls can grow up free from the pressures of harmful gender expectations," Buttigieg said. Andrew Tate (left) and his brother Tristan (right) leave court after their sex trafficking trial in Bucharest James Buhagiar (Photo: James Bianchi/ MaltaToday) Aleksandar Dimitrijevic Lawyer Martina Caruana