Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1544021
14 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 22 MARCH 2026 FEATURE Viral misogyny: The manosphere's As new Netf lix documentary Louis Theroux: Inside the Manosphere takes the world by storm, Karl AS technology plays a growing role in shaping everyday life, online platforms and influencers promoting misogynis- tic and anti-feminist ideologies have surged, often leading to harmful and far-reaching consequences. This complex and diverse network of voices is branded the manosphere, and its reality was exposed in new Netflix documentary Louis Theroux: Inside the Manosphere. The film ex- poses this movement's harmful ideol- ogies, while uncovering the hypocrisy of its leaders. But what is the manosphere, and has the problem landed on Maltese shores? Defining the manosphere The 'manosphere' is a loose network of online communities, influencers and forums focused on men's issues, masculinity and gender dynamics. It is not a single movement but an ecosys- tem spanning platforms such as Red- dit, YouTube, X and podcasts, often with overlapping audiences and ideas. The cult leaders pushing this move- ment forward include Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan, Jordan Peter- son, Sneako, and Myron Gaines, with some appearing in the documentary. A central theme is the belief that modern society disadvantages men, particularly in dating, family law and cultural expectations. Feminism is frequently criticised as having shifted power too far towards women. While some participants frame their views as advocacy for men's rights or wellbe- ing, others promote more adversarial or exclusionary positions. The manosphere includes several subgroups. Men's rights activists fo- cus on perceived legal and social in- equalities. Pick-up artists emphasise dating strategies. "Men Going Their Own Way" (MGTOW) promotes dis- engagement from relationships. More extreme fringes include incel commu- nities, which are associated with fatal- istic and, at times, openly misogynistic beliefs. Common ideas include a hierarchy of male value, often tied to wealth, ap- pearance and dominance, and a strong emphasis on self-improvement. Critics say these narratives can reinforce mi- sogyny and contribute to online radi- calisation, although some analysts note they also draw on real concerns such as male mental health and social isolation. Root of the problem Experts say the rise of manosphere ideologies cannot be understood with- out looking at wider social shifts over the past decades. The expansion of equality laws and women's rights has fundamentally altered traditional gen- der roles, particularly in relationships, work and family life. Aleksandar Dimitrijevic and James Buhagiar from NGO Men Against Vi- olence argue women are increasingly reclaiming their place in society, with greater financial independence and au- tonomy over their personal choices. Where once relationships were often tied to economic necessity, women to- day are more likely to choose partners based on mutual contribution, or to re- main single altogether. For some men, this represents a pro- found shift. What was previously seen as a guaranteed role — provider, deci- sion-maker, head of the household — is no longer assured. This loss of certainty can be experienced as emasculating, particularly among younger men who are still forming their identity. The result, Dimitrijevic says, is con- fusion and frustration, which can make young men vulnerable to simplistic narratives. "They are being provided with simple solutions for complex and ever-changing problems," he noted. Therapist Kelly Ann Zerafa sees this play out in her practice. She describes a pattern of insecurity among boys and men, often linked to rejection, loneliness and perceived inadequacy. Younger clients may blame women for romantic rejection, while older men tend to frame their frustration around women's growing empowerment. "There is also a contradiction," she explains. "They blame women, but at the same time crave their attention." This dynamic can spiral into deeper isolation, reinforcing the appeal of on- line communities that validate these feelings. Social media algorithms While the roots may be social, the acceleration of the problem is digital. Much of the manosphere operates online, where algorithms reward the most provocative and polarising con- tent. Short-form videos, often no longer than a few seconds, favour bold, con- troversial statements over nuance. As Dimitrijevic points out, "the most Therapist Kelly Ann Zerafa Reforms Parliamentary Secretary Rebecca Buttigieg (Photo: James Bianchi/MaltaToday) Experts say the rise of manosphere ideologies cannot be understood without looking at wider social shifts over the past decades. The expansion of equality laws and women's rights has fundamentally altered traditional gender roles, particularly in relationships, work and family life.