Debate over Louis Theroux’s Inside the Manosphere has sparked a lively response from Independent readers, many of whom reflected on both the enduring appeal and the dangers of online misogynist subcultures.
The discussion was prompted by Adam White’s review, which argued Theroux was out of his depth and risked giving further exposure to influencers motivated by money, status and the subjugation of women.
While readers were divided on his approach – with some questioning whether his gentle style was equipped to challenge such figures – many agreed that continuing to shine a light on the casual sexism, racism and antisemitism embedded in these platforms remains essential.
Several commenters explored the appeal of these creators for vulnerable young men, particularly those growing up without father figures or feeling socially alienated, noting how these communities can offer camaraderie, motivation and a sense of belonging.
Others argued the documentary succeeds in exposing hypocrisy and self-serving motives, revealing a “sad” reality behind the carefully curated online personas.
Overall, readers recognised the importance of understanding the manosphere’s dynamics, highlighting the broader challenge of educating young men about gender, morality and their place in society.
Here’s what you had to say:
Providing space to think
Theroux always leaves the viewer space to think, to go away and reflect, and provides a platform for discussion. The manosphere is a particularly annoying subject matter, with egos out of control and an obsession with themselves, and maybe that amplified the frustrations of the author? Either way, I enjoyed it. These people are despicable.
Giving oxygen to vile individuals
Sadly, this does give oxygen and airtime to these totally vile, repellent individuals.
We all know they are there; we all know what they do, say, and think about women, and the way men should abuse and use them. We all know this is having a devastating effect on young and easily influenced boys, who will grow up with totally skewed views of the female sex and struggle to have fulfilling relationships due to this vile indoctrination.
We also know how young women will be disrespected, expected to perform in a certain way, and allow their male partners to treat them like sexual doormats. We do not need this type of documentary to amplify the sordid message over and over.
Ship has sailed
The reviewer suggests the only way to handle high-profile online subcultures is to ignore them, but that ship has sailed; those groups already have massive reach. The role of media is to provide accountability and context. Theroux’s nuanced style lets subjects reveal themselves, which is a vital counterpoint to widespread digital inaccuracies.
Is the reviewer suggesting Theroux should adopt the same sensationalist tactics he's investigating, or simply stay silent?
Raising awareness of misogyny
This article is making money publicising the documentary that's making money publicising the misogynists. At the end of the day, the article is well written, Louis Theroux is great, and now most of us are more aware of what young men are being fed out there.
Understanding to combat toxicity
It could be that amongst the vitriol and bile there is some tidbit worth listening to that, if understood, could help rid us of the toxicity. To address the problem, you have to understand why it exists and attack the root cause, not just blanket condemn it.
The problem will not go anywhere if you just claim millions of young men's emotions and thoughts are 'wrong' and don't try to understand and address them.
Show how deep the rot runs
Some of the topics Theroux covers are with groups of people, like the "Manosphere" guys, who won't listen to criticism or answer questions. Groups like the white supremacists, ultra-Zionists, and the Phelps family are all boosted and given publicity by the documentaries he produced. The same criticisms of his latest documentary apply to his older ones.
Sometimes the point is to give the general public an in-depth look at these disgusting people and to show that those who try to defend them are indefensible. To show just how deep the rot runs and to attempt to put off people joining because they are not fully aware of how toxic it all is.
Fractured and pitiful grifters
I think the documentary showed them as the fractured, pitiful, uneducated grifters that they are. My favourite scene was when one of them took a dressing-down on camera from his mummy and just stood there staring at the floor.
Genuine, honest debate
Theroux isn't trying to 'expose' them, make a point, or score an exclusive. He provides a reflection of what's there, letting people come to their own conclusions, leading to genuine, honest debate.
The modern 24/7 competition
I do not have children, whilst being old enough to have grandchildren. The most amusing part of this is how these young men think they have found a new way apart from the 9-5. Firstly, men have always tried to out-do each other – often in sly and diverse ways.
Secondly, they are geared to this 24/7, not just 9-5, and constantly available to their 'boss' or clients.
Thirdly, they are still climbing a greasy pole – except that their pole is numbers of followers, and followers = money.
I would like to see this pointed out to them and all boys. THEN we can start to educate boys about society and being part of it. Lastly, educate boys to use condoms to reduce the number of boys who are abandoned by their father and to NOT abandon their children. That will be the most difficult task.
Nothing new under the sun
Nothing that these guys do or say is actually new. You could probably hear similar conversations among older wealthy men in a private club. There have always been people in one-too-many relationships; they just don't advertise it.
Social media makes them believe they are no longer alone and validates their views under some disguise. In the case of the UK, it is patriotism and saving the country. Same modus operandi: some cash in, some lose out, fuelled by their personal frustrations in life. Of course, it is not pleasant listening to these guys talk, but mostly they provoke laughter.
Reducing alienation among young men
Behaviours such as status-seeking and risk-taking are adaptive traits shaped by evolution. In modern society, cultural pressures can frustrate these natural drives, leading them to appear in exaggerated forms.
A balanced approach, informed by evolutionary psychology, would recognise these drives while guiding their expression so they are constructive rather than harmful. This would reduce alienation among young men instead of encouraging it.
Some of the comments have been edited for this article for brevity and clarity.
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