“Adolescence,” Netflix’s hit mini-series about a young man who commits a horrific act of violence after engaging with incel ideology online, brightened the media spotlight on the “manosphere.”

The manosphere — a web of online communities, podcasts and influencers that promote conversations about modern masculinity but often misogyny, as well — was already on the minds of many parents and researchers, but the show put the debate around it into hyperdrive.

Some, including the prime minister of the United Kingdom, praised the show for making it clear that the manosphere is leading boys and young men to dangerous places. But others felt the show overplayed the potential for violence and overlooked how many people engage with manosphere content just for fun.

Researchers that spoke with

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