Unmasking Adolescence: Unveiling the Insidious Nature of Toxic Masculinity

A Response from Stay Safe Global, Experts in Countering Extremist Misogyny and the Manosphere

Netflix’s Adolescence (2025) is more than just a gripping crime drama—it is a stark reflection of how toxic masculinity, online radicalisation, and extremist movements are shaping the lives of young men today. The series follows 13-year-old Jamie Miller, an ordinary boy who is drawn into the online manosphere, ultimately leading him down a path of extremist violence. His story mirrors real-world trends: the growing influence of misogynistic ideology online, the rise of far-right radicalisation, and the increasing normalisation of anti-feminist and authoritarian beliefs.

At Stay Safe Global, we have spent years researching, addressing, and countering these threats. Our work highlights how the manosphere and far-right extremist groups, like Active Club England (ACE), are systematically targeting young men, using fitness, social media, and grievance-based narratives to foster radicalisation and violence.

The Radicalisation Pipeline: The Weaponisation of Disillusionment

The manosphere—an online ecosystem encompassing men’s rights activists (MRAs), involuntary celibates (incels), and self-proclaimed “alpha male” influencers—acts as a gateway to broader extremist beliefs. Research consistently shows that misogyny is often the first step in radicalisation, as it fuels a worldview of male entitlement, grievance, and resentment.

A recent Channel 4 survey revealed disturbing trends:
• 45% of men aged 13-27 believe women’s rights have “gone too far” and now discriminate against men.
• 42% trust influencers like Andrew Tate and Jordan Peterson as much as traditional news sources.
• 58% trust social media posts from friends more than established news outlets.

In Adolescence, we see how these influential figures like Andrew Tate prey on young men’s disillusionment with modern society. Tate, a central figure in the manosphere, positions himself as a mentor, offering what he claims are “solutions” to the problems men face in a world that seems to be moving away from traditional gender roles. His message, which combines misogynistic and authoritarian rhetoric, mirrors the dangerous path Jamie is led down in the series. By portraying men as victims of societal change, Tate and similar influencers manipulate vulnerable young men, presenting a distorted vision of empowerment that often veers into violence and domination.

This rhetoric doesn’t exist in a vacuum. In Adolescence, Jamie’s growing frustration with his place in the world and his exposure to figures like Tate lead him into deeper, more dangerous spaces. The show mirrors real-world extremism, where online influencers’ toxic narratives are reinforced and amplified by extremist groups like ACE. ACE, a neo-Nazi organisation, combines fitness training with a violent, nationalist ideology, creating a space where young men like Jamie are further radicalised. ACE’s message is clear: physical strength and loyalty to the cause will empower men, all while perpetuating toxic, misogynistic beliefs about male superiority and women’s subjugation.

In Adolescence, this dangerous feedback loop shows how disillusioned young men, in their search for identity and belonging, can easily be pulled into extremist circles that blend masculinity and violence. Just as figures like Tate act as “mentors” to young men, groups like ACE provide a structure that reinforces these extreme ideologies, ultimately pushing vulnerable individuals towards acts of hate and aggression.

Misogyny as a Core Tenet of Extremism

In Adolescence, Jamie’s journey into the manosphere is marked by his exposure to toxic gender beliefs that mirror those held by extremist groups like ACE. While the show focuses on Jamie’s involvement in online radicalisation and its eventual violent consequences, it also highlights how misogyny is a gateway to broader extremist ideologies. Throughout the series, Jamie is drawn into a world where rigid gender roles are reinforced, and women are framed as subordinate, responsible only for upholding traditional values and family structures.

The show directly tackles how misogyny is used to control and manipulate young men, pushing them to embrace anti-feminist rhetoric that portrays feminism as a threat to male power and societal order. This narrative echoes far-right movements that frame male dominance as essential for national survival. In the series, Jamie’s exposure to influencers and extremist mentors who preach these ideologies ultimately transforms him from a vulnerable, impressionable boy into someone capable of violence.

The connection between misogyny and far-right radicalisation is not incidental. Research shows that many perpetrators of mass violence, including school shooters and domestic terrorists, often start their radicalisation journey with misogynistic beliefs, progressively adopting more extreme ideologies as they become further entrenched in these toxic worldviews. Adolescence mirrors this path, showing how toxic masculinity and misogyny can lead vulnerable young men into a dangerous spiral of violence and extremist thought.

The Hidden Language of Radicalisation: How Extremists Use Emojis to Groom Young Minds

In the world of online radicalisation, many of the tactics used to groom young people are hidden in plain sight, making it difficult for parents and responsible adults to even recognise the danger. One alarming example highlighted in Adolescence is the use of seemingly harmless emojis to communicate extremist and misogynistic ideas. Keith Broni, the editor-in-chief of Emojipedia, has explained how symbols like the cat face, dynamite, and even the coffee emoji have been co-opted by those within the “manosphere”—a network of online influencers pushing toxic masculinity onto vulnerable young men. These emojis, which many adults might dismiss as innocent or playful, have been weaponised to promote harmful ideologies, including the red pill and 100 emoji, both of which reference misogynistic beliefs. As the use of these symbols becomes more widespread, it is increasingly difficult for parents to spot the signs of radicalisation. This hidden language, combined with the rapid evolution of online slang, makes it clear that extremists are operating in a way that evades traditional detection, further isolating young people and making them more susceptible to dangerous ideologies. We must all educate ourselves on these shifts in communication and remain vigilant in monitoring their children’s digital lives, as the dangers of online radicalisation can be subtle yet devastating.

The Impact on Young Women: A Dangerous Cycle in Adolescence

Adolescence provides a chilling exploration of how the rise of extremist ideologies, particularly those rooted in toxic masculinity and misogyny, directly affects young women. The show vividly portrays how the radicalisation of young men does not occur in isolation. As Jamie becomes increasingly immersed in the manosphere, his attitudes toward women grow more hostile, reflecting a broader societal shift where misogynistic ideologies are becoming normalised. These attitudes translate into real-world consequences for the women around him, his mother who he views as only good enough to cook a Sunday lunch, and his victim, who he deems worthy of violence because she said “no”.

In the series, as Jamie’s beliefs evolve, his relationships with women deteriorate. His objectification, dehumanisation, and eventual violence against women serve as a reminder of the psychological and physical toll that extremist ideologies have on young women. This progression is not just fictional—young women are already facing the effects of these radical shifts in real life, as seen in the poll results previously discussed. As more young men are drawn into far-right and misogynistic spaces, women are increasingly subjected to emotional manipulation, verbal abuse, and physical violence. As misogynistic beliefs take root, they perpetuate a culture in which women are viewed as inferior, primarily valued for their ability to bear children and fulfil traditional gender roles. In these environments, women are seen as tools to be controlled rather than individuals with their own autonomy. This toxic culture not only isolates young women but also makes them more vulnerable to harassment, abuse, and exploitation—both online and in their personal lives.

Adolescence makes it clear what many of us already know - that this isn’t just a matter of ideological differences—it’s a social crisis that affects young women on a deeply personal level. The show illustrates how radicalisation fosters a dangerous disconnect between young men and women, creating an environment where misogyny is not only tolerated but actively encouraged. Women in these settings may feel isolated, fearful, or even forced into silence, unable to escape the oppressive grip of toxic masculinity that surrounds them. And when they speak out against it, there can be severe consequences.

Moreover, young women often find themselves at the centre of broader societal and cultural battles, as they are seen as symbols of resistance to the radicalising ideologies that grip young men. The normalisation of misogyny makes it difficult for them to speak out or seek support, as they are often dismissed, silenced, or blamed for the very violence they endure. This toxic cycle creates a societal imbalance where the voices of women are undervalued and marginalised, leaving them vulnerable to further exploitation.

In Adolescence, we see how Jamie’s radicalisation leads him to hurt not only the women he encounters but also perpetuates a broader pattern of harm that reverberates through society. The impact on women is not just a byproduct of radicalisation—it is central to its perpetuation. As young men are groomed to adopt extremist, misogynistic beliefs, they set the stage for a future where gender inequality and violence are further normalised. Women become the target of these ideologies, suffering from the very beliefs that young men like Jamie are led to accept as truth.

How Stay Safe Global is Leading the Fight Against Extremist Misogyny

At Stay Safe Global, we specialise in combating the influence of toxic masculinity and extremist misogyny, ensuring organisations and individuals are equipped to identify and counter these threats before they escalate.

Our CEO, Nicholas Martin, brings over 20 years of experience, including direct work in domestic violence refuges. His expertise has been instrumental in advising organisations like Google’s Global Security Team, speaking on how to mitigate the risks of domestic abuse, sexual violence, and online radicalisation.

Our work includes:

1. Groundbreaking Research and Training

• Conducting studies on engaging men in conversations about domestic abuse and sexual violence.
• Leading the “In Conversation with Men” project, which identifies the best ways to involve men in tackling misogyny.
• Advising corporate security and welfare teams on how to prevent workplace misogyny and its link to extremism.

2. Consultancy and Intervention Services

• Impact Assessments: Evaluating organisational risks linked to misogyny and extremism.
• Training & Awareness: Equipping professionals with the tools to recognise and challenge harmful narratives.
• Bystander Training: Empowering individuals to disrupt the spread of misogynistic ideology.

3. Support Resources to Counter Extremism

• Behavioural Contracts: Establishing clear standards to prevent radicalisation in institutions.
• Confidential Reporting Systems: Ensuring employees, students, and professionals can safely report harassment.

A Call to Action: Addressing Toxic Masculinity Before It’s Too Late

Io serves as a stark warning: if we do not intervene, young men will continue to be pulled into extremist spaces, escalating into real-world violence. However, it’s equally important to recognise that the effects of this radicalisation are not limited to men. Young women are often the primary victims of this dangerous shift, suffering not only from physical harm but also from the psychological trauma caused by living in a world where misogynistic views are becoming more entrenched. The show highlights the urgent need to address toxic masculinity and extremist ideologies before they lead to further harm for both young men and women. The intersection of far-right nationalism, anti-feminism, and authoritarian beliefs is creating a volatile generation of radicalised men.

We Must Take Action Now

1. Strengthen counter-extremism measures to combat groups like ACE.

2. Regulate social media to prevent the spread of radical misogynistic ideology.

3. Educate young men on healthy masculinity and gender equality.

4. Hold public figures accountable for promoting misogynistic and extremist rhetoric.

Ultimately, Adolescence is a warning about the dangerous consequences of inaction. If we fail to intervene, these extremist ideologies will continue to take root, leading to a world where young women’s lives are not only further marginalised but also actively endangered. The show calls for urgent efforts to challenge and dismantle the forces that enable this radicalisation, offering a crucial opportunity for society to address these issues before they spiral out of control.

At Stay Safe Global, we are at the forefront of this fight. Our work is more urgent than ever. We provide free resources, training, and consultancy to individuals and organisations committed to countering misogyny and extremism.

To learn more and access our resources, visit: https://www.ssgct.org.uk/manosphere

Together, we can dismantle extremist narratives, protect young men from radicalisation, and build a safer, more inclusive future for all.