What Is the Manosphere and Why Should We Care?

Masculinity influencers online regularly capture the interest of two-thirds of young men, according to the Movember Foundation, a men’s health organization. This is just one of many statistics that show the growth of what's called the manosphere.

Several groups fall under the umbrella of the manosphere. They include involuntary celibates (incels), men’s rights activists (MRAs), pick up artists (PUAs), and the Men Going Their Own Way (MGTOW) movement. They focus on topics ranging from sex to cryptocurrency.  They claim to empower men by discussing challenges they may have with regard to dating, fitness, wealth, and other areas. However, that empowerment comes at the expense of women and girls and it is framed in harmful and often extreme language.Their resentment of women and girls is what unites them. They may use words and phrases like red pill, AWALT (All women are like that), femoids or FHOs, and hypergamous. Manosphere influencers blame feminism and offer control over women as the solution.

The manosphere harms everyone, as UN Women explains in this article. It makes women and girls vulnerable to online harassment and violence. It can also negatively affect the mental health of men and boys. Furthermore, the manosphere can contribute to real world and extremist violence.

In the manosphere, everyone loses. Misogyny and gender inequality are harmful to men, as well as women. In a collection of global data, Equimundo found that men with restrictive gender attitudes are more likely to engage in harmful behaviours, like risk-taking and substance abuse. They are also more prone to depression and suicidal thoughts.

SOURCE: UN Women • LAST UPDATED: May 15, 2025