The Manosphere Is Pulling In Men I Know, And I Understand Why It's So Appealing

"It is defined as "websites and blogs where men express opinions about issues concerning contemporary masculinity and male relationships with women, especially those associated with views that are hostile to feminism and women's rights." And it's hard to ignore the rise of manosphere internet personalities and conservative-leaning podcasters who have captured the attention of millions of men across the nation."

"I've seen friends and family members swallowed up by the manosphere. And these are not men who carry the leprous designation of "incel." No, I've seen the manosphere capture fathers with loving wives, brothers with a handful of close sisters, men who are engaged or planning to be, successful men with the highest levels of education, and men who have traveled the world. And as a liberal-leaning Black man who occasionally watches manosphere content, I know why it has them in a chokehold."

"A commonality among the men I have seen drawn to the manosphere is the need for a supportive community that they feel connects them to other men, as well as a sense of alienation or disapproval of men and men's issues in popular culture. The male loneliness epidemic is a real problem, no matter how glib a punchline it's become on social media."

The manosphere comprises websites and blogs where men voice opinions about contemporary masculinity and male relationships with women, often aligned with views hostile to feminism and women's rights. Internet personalities and conservative-leaning podcasters within this sphere have attracted millions of men nationwide. Participation extends beyond marginalized or 'incel' demographics to include fathers, engaged men, highly educated professionals, and men who travel. A core driver is the need for supportive male community and a response to perceived cultural alienation and dismissal of men's issues. Male loneliness is identified as a significant, widespread problem. Healthy, positive masculinity can counteract toxic, misogynistic online content.

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