'Positive role models needed to combat manosphere'

A youth worker says young boys need strong positive role models to combat the growth in popularity of ultra-masculine - or manosphere - content online.

The release of the Netflix documentary, Louis Theroux: Inside The Mansophere, which delved into the subject, has raised the issue and what it means to be a man in 2026.

The film features interviews with some of the space's most prominent figures - including UK streamer Harrison Sullivan, aka HS TikkyTokky, who is seen arguing with Theroux over claims he promotes misogynist views.

"The biggest fear for me is how accessible these opinions are," Jead Clarke, a senior youth worker at The Way Youth Zone in Wolverhampton, told BBC Radio WM.

"Children these days don't have to go and look for these things or people who they see as idols, these things get forwarded to them on WhatsApp and comes up on their Snapchat."

The manosphere refers to a network of websites, forums and influencers who promote what they describe as "traditional" masculinity - where men hold a dominant role in a relationship and women are subservient.

Terms including "The Matrix" and "red pill" - referring to the idea that men have become "wage slaves" disadvantaged by a society that prioritises women's rights - are popular in the space.

To help overcome these type of negative views, Clarke argued that having positive role models were vital.

"You're hearing someone who can have these negative opinions but still have these fast cars," the youth worker said.

"But there are also people who are just as successful, whether it's through their business or how they carry themselves, who can have a positive impact on young people."

Clarke has run a male empowerment session for over a year at the centre and says conversations about toxic masculinity are often discussed.

"At the Way, we're really fortunate with the young people that we have, I did not come across too many who shared the same opinions.

"You do hear every now and again young people mentioning the likes of Andrew Tate or Myron and also saying the same opinions but it isn't as often as you may think.

"Most of the time they don't agree with what they see."

Tyrone Johnson, who works alongside Clarke, said the documentary was "eye-opening".

He told listeners that, while scrolling through social media, videos promoting fast cars, misogynist views and get-rich-quick schemes were prevalent.

"I'm lucky that I have a strong support network and male role models so when I see things like that I can easily scroll away from it and think nothing of it," Johnson said.

"But I can see how that can be much more compelling for young boys who don't have male role models in their lives."

The BBC has approached those featured in the documentary for comment.

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