The Radical Reading Room

Academics have urged the manosphere—online communities promoting anti-feminist views and aggressive masculinity—to be treated as a public health issue, akin to smoking or obesity. The report, published in The Lancet, defines the manosphere as a 'diffuse commercial ecosystem' united by beliefs in misogyny and male victimisation. It argues that such content normalises health-harming masculinities and fuels mental health issues and violence against women. The authors note that outrage and grievance are 'good for business,' with content creators and platforms incentivising extreme expressions of masculinity.

Co-authors Professor Sarah Hawkes and Professor Kent Buse stress that boys’ insecurities are exploited and monetised. They argue that solutions must offer boys meaningful alternatives, not just discourage the manosphere. Buse describes the manosphere as a 'business model,' not a fringe, with content designed to profit from outrage.

The report draws parallels to the tobacco industry, where blame was shifted to individuals rather than structural factors. Experts call for coordinated action across governments, schools, and health services to address the issue.