For hundreds of years, women, and even men, have been working tremendously hard to move away from the patriarchal ideals that have defined society. It seems that in the last 20 years, an internet movement has appealed to the newer generations in an attempt to turn back the clock.
This movement, called the manosphere, as popularized by the media, is a network of online men’s communities against the empowerment of women and promotes anti-feminist and sexist beliefs. They are united by the idea that society is biased against men due to the influence of feminism and that feminists promote misandry. These communities encourage resentment, or even hatred, towards women and girls.
The sudden rise in popularity of these influencers makes sense. As cell phones and social media became more popular, so did mental illness and loneliness—the global addiction heightened by the COVID pandemic. People have become so fixated on social media that they have started to interact less with those around them. This has caused friendships to drift and loneliness rates to rise on a national level. Advanced Autism Services reflects this data: “The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped the landscape of loneliness in the U.S. As of January 2024, around 30% of adults reported feeling lonely at least once a week, which remains a significant public health concern.”
Influencers like Andrew Tate have often showcased unattainable wealth and status, selling the illusion that followers can achieve success by adopting their teachings. They spit hateful, misogynistic rhetoric and preach that the only way to be successful in life is to be dominant, and the only acceptable emotion to express is anger. This has taught many young men that instead of processing their emotions healthily, it is acceptable to rage and shift responsibility to others.
Imagine you’re a young, impressionable man who feels lonely and bad about yourself. All of a sudden, this big, buff guy appears on your For You page telling you that you’re not responsible for your own feelings, society is, specifically feminism, and if you just realize that, you can be as happy, healthy, and wealthy as he is. Just follow what he says.
Don’t you think that sounds like a cult? Well, a lot of men didn’t think so. According to Hope Not Hate, Andrew Tate amassed over 11.6 billion views on TikTok before he was banned on all social media platforms.
Andrew Tate is one extreme example of the dangers of these views. In 2022, he was arrested and faced 10 charges related to three women that include rape, bodily harm, human trafficking, and controlling prostitution for gain. His brother, Tristan Tate, 36, faced 11 charges related to one woman that include rape, human trafficking, and bodily harm (PBS News).
For boys, the outcome of holding these views can be just as dangerous, but more often manifests in the deprioritization of mental health, which not only negatively affects the individual but also those around him. They also view themselves as superior to women, and this can evolve into abusive behavior as they get older if there is no intervention.
All this is simply further proof of how the patriarchy benefits no one. Please be careful of the media you consume and the people you surround yourself with, because they truly affect you more than you think. Recognize hateful rhetoric and take action by reporting these platforms that promote it, and speaking up against it. We are the future, and the views that we hold can define our entire generation.
Jessica • Feb 8, 2026 at 8:27 am
The patriarchy hurts both women and men so much. I am dismayed to see its resurgence in your generation, but encouraged when it is identified and called out from within.