Unsubscribing from the Manosphere: Confronting Online Misogyny and Reclaiming Masculinity
Across the world, online spaces are shaping how young men see themselves, their relationships, and their role in society. One of the most alarming trends in recent years is the rise of the manosphere — a growing network of online communities that claim to support men, yet often promote sexist, hateful, and violent ideologies.
At the Men’s Association for Gender Equality – Sierra Leone (MAGE-SL), we believe this global issue demands urgent attention. The manosphere is not a distant problem — its messages are reaching classrooms, workplaces, and homes, influencing how boys and men think about gender, power, and identity.
What Is the Manosphere?
The manosphere is a cluster of online platforms, forums, and influencers that appear to focus on men’s issues — such as dating, fitness, or self-improvement — but frequently evolve into echo chambers of anti-feminism, misogyny, and domination.
Within these spaces, harmful messages spread rapidly, teaching that:
Women are to blame for men’s struggles.
Feminism is an enemy to masculinity.
“Real men” must dominate, suppress emotion, and “win” over others.
While some of these communities claim to promote empowerment, they often trap men and boys in toxic cycles of anger, blame, and isolation.
Why the Manosphere Matters
This isn’t just an online phenomenon — it’s shaping behaviour in the real world. According to global research and UN reports, there are growing links between online misogyny, radicalisation, and gender-based violence.
Young men are particularly vulnerable. Many find the manosphere while searching for advice or belonging, but instead of genuine support, they encounter influencers who exploit their insecurities for clicks and profit.
The impact is devastating:
Men who internalise rigid views of masculinity are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and loneliness.
They are less likely to seek help for mental health challenges.
They face increased pressure to conform to unrealistic standards of strength, wealth, and control.
And women and girls suffer from rising harassment, hostility, and violence both online and offline.
Recent studies show:
58% of girls and young women have faced online harassment.
40–50% of men say they trust manosphere voices — many of which openly promote violence or hatred toward women.
These trends represent a growing backlash against gender equality, threatening decades of progress in advancing women’s rights and redefining healthy masculinity.
The Real Cost: Everyone Loses
The manosphere doesn’t just harm women — it harms men, too. By glorifying emotional suppression and domination, it isolates men from genuine relationships and well-being.
Toxic masculinity discourages empathy, self-expression, and vulnerability — all qualities essential for personal growth and social harmony. The result is a generation of young men burdened by silence and disconnected from healthier models of strength.
At MAGE-SL, we believe that true masculinity is about responsibility, respect, and care — not control or violence.
How We Can Push Back
Challenging the manosphere requires collective action — from governments, educators, civil society, and digital platforms.
We call on:
Governments to
Recognise and address digital violence as seriously as physical violence.
Strengthen and enforce laws protecting women and girls online.
Tech companies to
Hold platforms accountable for misogynistic content and algorithmic bias.
Be transparent about content moderation policies and how algorithms amplify harmful voices.
Donors and funders to
Support civil society organisations promoting positive masculinity, digital literacy, and mental health for boys and men.
Amplify credible, compassionate voices that model equality and care.
Communities and educators to
Encourage open dialogue on gender, respect, and mental health.
Create safe spaces where young men can talk about challenges without shame or fear.
Building Healthier Digital Spaces
As the world marks 30 years since the Beijing Platform for Action, it is time to confront the backlash against gender equality — both offline and online. The fight against misogyny must extend into the digital realm, where so many attitudes are now formed.
Through awareness campaigns, training, and advocacy, MAGE-SL continues to work with MenEngage Africa, UN Women, and partners such as HeForShe and Equimundo to promote transformative masculinity and prevent gender-based violence in all forms.
A Call to Action
The manosphere thrives on silence and division. We can dismantle it through education, empathy, and engagement. By teaching young men that equality benefits everyone, we help them build identities rooted in dignity, compassion, and mutual respect.
It’s time to unsubscribe from the manosphere — and to subscribe to equality, empathy, and human connection instead.