Viral misogyny: The manosphere’s quiet rise among Maltese boys

As technology plays a growing role in shaping everyday life, online platforms and influencers promoting misogynistic and anti-feminist ideologies have surged, often leading to harmful and far-reaching consequences.

This complex and diverse network of voices is branded the manosphere, and its reality was exposed in new Netflix documentary Louis Theroux: Inside the Manosphere. The film exposes this movement’s harmful ideologies, while uncovering the hypocrisy of its leaders.

But what is the manosphere, and has the problem landed on Maltese shores?

Defining the manosphere

The ‘manosphere’ is a loose network of online communities, influencers and forums focused on men’s issues, masculinity and gender dynamics. It is not a single movement but an ecosystem spanning platforms such as Reddit, YouTube, X and podcasts, often with overlapping audiences and ideas. The cult leaders pushing this movement forward include Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan, Jordan Peterson, Sneako, and Myron Gaines, with some appearing in the documentary.

A central theme is the belief that modern society disadvantages men, particularly in dating, family law and cultural expectations. Feminism is frequently criticised as having shifted power too far towards women. While some participants frame their views as advocacy for men’s rights or wellbeing, others promote more adversarial or exclusionary positions.

The manosphere includes several subgroups. Men’s rights activists focus on perceived legal and social inequalities. Pick-up artists emphasise dating strategies. “Men Going Their Own Way” (MGTOW) promotes disengagement from relationships. More extreme fringes include incel communities, which are associated with fatalistic and, at times, openly misogynistic beliefs.

Common ideas include a hierarchy of male value, often tied to wealth, appearance and dominance, and a strong emphasis on self-improvement. Critics say these narratives can reinforce misogyny and contribute to online radicalisation, although some analysts note they also draw on real concerns such as male mental health and social isolation.

Root of the problem

Experts say the rise of manosphere ideologies cannot be understood without looking at wider social shifts over the past decades. The expansion of equality laws and women’s rights has fundamentally altered traditional gender roles, particularly in relationships, work and family life.

Aleksandar Dimitrijevic and James Buhagiar from NGO Men Against Violence argue women are increasingly reclaiming their place in society, with greater financial independence and autonomy over their personal choices.

Where once relationships were often tied to economic necessity, women today are more likely to choose partners based on mutual contribution, or to remain single altogether.

For some men, this represents a profound shift. What was previously seen as a guaranteed role — provider, decision-maker, head of the household — is no longer assured. This loss of certainty can be experienced as emasculating, particularly among younger men who are still forming their identity.

The result, Dimitrijevic says, is confusion and frustration, which can make young men vulnerable to simplistic narratives. “They are being provided with simple solutions for complex and ever-changing problems,” he noted.

Therapist Kelly Ann Zerafa sees this play out in her practice. She describes a pattern of insecurity among boys and men, often linked to rejection, loneliness and perceived inadequacy. Younger clients may blame women for romantic rejection, while older men tend to frame their frustration around women’s growing empowerment.

“There is also a contradiction,” she explains. “They blame women, but at the same time crave their attention.”

This dynamic can spiral into deeper isolation, reinforcing the appeal of online communities that validate these feelings.

Social media algorithms

While the roots may be social, the acceleration of the problem is digital. Much of the manosphere operates online, where algorithms reward the most provocative and polarising content.

Short-form videos, often no longer than a few seconds, favour bold, controversial statements over nuance. As Dimitrijevic points out, “the most audacious and daring stuff is the one which gets the clicks and views.”

This creates a feedback loop: extreme content gains traction, reaches wider audiences, and is further amplified by platforms optimised for engagement. Some influencers, as highlighted in the documentary, even admit they do not fully believe the views they promote, but continue because it is profitable. Such views include anti-Semitism, racism and misogyny.

Parliamentary Secretary for Reform Rebecca Buttigieg warned these platforms have become central to how young people seek guidance. Boys and young men are increasingly turning to influencers for advice on relationships, fitness and identity — often encountering rigid and outdated ideas about gender roles.

“These narratives are increasingly being amplified by social media algorithms that reward provocative and polarising content,” she said.

Even in Malta, where experts say the issue is not yet fully entrenched, the language and ideas of the manosphere are already filtering into online spaces, particularly among younger boys.

Reaction to new civil liberties

Another key driver is what some experts describe as a backlash to rapid social change.

Zerafa acknowledged the introduction of new rights and civil liberties in a relatively short period has created a sense of disorientation for some men. “There is some truth to this, there is a reaction to that new reality,” she says.

When long-held beliefs about gender roles are challenged, some individuals experience what psychologists call cognitive dissonance — a discomfort that arises when reality conflicts with ingrained views. Without proper communication or guidance, this can lead to rejection of new ideas altogether.

Lawyer Martina Caruana, who has spoken to secondary school students about feminism and misogyny, said she was struck by how quickly some boys adopt these views. What may begin as boundary-testing can evolve into gradual radicalisation.

She also pointed to economic changes as a factor. As more women enter the workforce, traditional notions of male financial dominance are eroded. “We rarely speak about financial violence,” she noted, adding that this shift can be perceived as a loss of control, prompting resentment.

At the same time, traditional role models have become less visible. Boys who once looked to their fathers — often the sole breadwinners — now navigate a more complex and less clearly defined landscapes. In their place, online figures, athletes and musicians often fill the gap, not always offering healthy or balanced perspectives.

Solving the problem

There is broad agreement that there is no quick fix. Addressing the manosphere requires a long-term, multi-layered approach centred on education, communication and early intervention.

James Buhagiar from Men Against Violence stressed the need for structured planning and education on gender roles and ethics. Dimitrijevic added the key is reaching boys early — ideally in classrooms — before they are exposed to harmful online influences.

“We need to provide safe spaces for these boys to express themselves,” he said, while also calling for political will to address the role of algorithms in shaping online behaviour.

Zerafa emphasised the importance of dialogue over confrontation. She argued that dismissing or attacking those who engage with manosphere content can be counterproductive.

Instead, she advocates for open conversations that seek to understand underlying frustrations while firmly challenging harmful ideas.

“We as a society have to communicate and discuss without fighting,” she said.

Caruana echoed the need for both school-and home-based education, alongside better regulation of access to online platforms.

Crucially, she added, boys must be allowed to express vulnerability — something often discouraged by traditional notions of masculinity.

Government initiatives are also underway. Buttigieg highlighted new educational material introduced into the curriculum focusing on gender equality, healthy relationships and digital citizenship, alongside national awareness campaigns.

Ultimately, the aim is not only to counter harmful ideologies, but to create an environment where both boys and girls can develop free from restrictive expectations.

“This is not just about protecting girls, but about creating a world where boys and girls can grow up free from the pressures of harmful gender expectations,” Buttigieg said.