Why Experts Want to Treat Online Misogyny as a Public Health Issue

In recent years, the rise of online communities known as the 'manosphere' has become a topic of serious discussion among health experts. A new report published in the Lancet suggests that these websites and social media groups should be treated by governments as a public health issue, similar to how society handles problems like smoking or obesity. The authors of the report argue that this is not just a small or unimportant trend, but a large, profitable industry that uses anger to make money.

The manosphere is described as a collection of online groups that share beliefs about masculinity, hatred toward women—often called misogyny—and the idea that men are victims in modern society. According to The Guardian Health, these platforms have turned extreme anger into a business model. Prof Kent Buse, a co-author of the report, explained that these companies use a strategy similar to the tobacco industry. They blame individuals for their problems and argue that any attempt to control their content is an attack on personal freedom. By rewarding the most extreme and angry content, these platforms keep users engaged to increase their profits.

Experts note that many young men are struggling with real-world challenges, such as loneliness, money worries, and feeling left out of school or society. When these young men feel isolated or without a clear future, they often search for a sense of belonging. The manosphere provides them with a community, an identity, and simple explanations for why their lives feel difficult. Often, these sites encourage young men to blame feminism or women for their personal struggles. Prof Sarah Hawkes, a co-author of the report, emphasized that these needs for belonging are real. She warned that simply trying to remove these websites without offering something better in their place will not work.

There is a growing agreement that the solution must involve more than just blocking websites. The report suggests a coordinated response involving schools, health services, and community organizations. The goal is to address the underlying conditions that leave men feeling lost, rather than just focusing on the online content itself. Mark Brooks, from the Centre for Policy Research on Men and Boys, welcomed this approach. He noted that discussions about this topic often unfairly label all men and boys as a problem. He believes it is important to look at the broader economic and educational challenges that lead young men to these online spaces in the first place.

Government officials are also beginning to take notice of these findings. Jake Richards, the minister for men and boys, stated that the report clearly shows the negative impact of these online influences. He described this as a wide societal challenge that affects everyone, not just men and boys. Richards expressed his determination to make this issue a national priority. He aims to provide young men with better opportunities and positive role models so they can succeed in life without relying on the toxic messages found in the manosphere.

Ultimately, the experts behind the report believe that boys and men are not the problem. Instead, the problem lies in the conditions that leave them feeling isolated and the companies that profit from their insecurity. The report calls for a 'tested toolkit'—a set of proven strategies—that governments have successfully used in the past to manage other commercial harms. By focusing on education, mental health, and social support, experts hope to create a future where young men can find purpose and connection in healthy ways. As the debate continues, the focus remains on how to dismantle these harmful online systems while ensuring that young men have the support they need to thrive in a changing world.