Researchers urge treating manosfera as a public health issue

A study published in the journal Lancet suggests that the manosfera, online communities promoting toxic masculinity and misogyny, should be addressed by governments as a public health issue, similar to obesity or smoking.

Researchers argue that these communities provide young men with a sense of belonging and identity by framing personal challenges as the result of feminism rather than structural life difficulties. The report highlights that the manosfera operates as a lucrative business model, where indignation and resentment are used to sell harmful content and products to men and boys.

Lead researcher Sarah Hawkes noted that the community offers an explanation for why life feels difficult, while co-author Kent Buse described it as a business model rather than a marginal practice. Experts call for a coordinated response involving governments, schools, health services, and community organizations to mitigate the impact on mental health.