OPINION: The Manosphere-Here are the signs! Beware of the Traps!

By Arianna Campbell

Beware of the traps of the “manosphere.” What may seem like innocent content can lead to a troubling online community. The “manosphere” describes certain content aimed at young men, often teen and college age, that is disguised as self-help but actually spreads harmful and hateful rhetoric. Some of this content can be hidden, but these are three signs to watch for. 

“Be the Alpha Male or suffer the Beta life” 

I’m sure we have all heard something about “Alphas” and “Betas” on social media. Honestly, the sole use of the terms “alpha male” and “beta male” is a huge sign. The “manosphere” describes the idea that only one type of man gets everything, and any other type is losing. Content focusing on self-help may target that image of an Alpha male. The “manosphere” focuses on appearance, financials, and personality. That might seem harmless, or maybe even beneficial, however the “manosphere” convinces young men that it is because they are lacking the traits of an “Alpha male,” that they are suffering a beta, submissive, lifestyle. A lifestyle of success is promised if you follow their tips, but it is all a marketing scheme with real life consequences, and the advice can be dehumanizing to everyone.  

Business Classes? Not really. 

For young men looking for business advice, “manosphere” content may have popped up in their feed. To identify the “manosphere” content, you must look at the reason the “manosphere” is marketing this advice. Often, it is for more success in relationships. It is not solely for your personal financial stability and happiness; it is about what you can get out of others if you have financial success. 

Unseeming Focus on Relationship Status 

In the “manosphere,” there is a focus on relationship status. For young men who may be struggling, content about how to become more attractive often shows up. This message is dangerous because it ties relationship success to life success. If you are unsuccessful, that is the woman’s fault because she will only respond to the alpha male, the manosphere theory says. So, becoming an alpha male will lead to getting women.  

The “manosphere” has grown in various online communities, however these signs can help identify the “manosphere” content. Take a close look at the social media page to see what it is about. Young men are most vulnerable and more likely to come across media marketed to help them. Don’t get caught in a scheme, stay safe mentally, and physically. If the alarm bells ring, don’t ignore them. In this day and age, we as a society need to become more aware of what we consume. More and more men are being indoctrinated, and future teachers, therapists, clinicians, and workers in other fields need to know how to best prepare and prevent young boys and men from being influenced. Save yourself and save your friends.