Louis Theroux’s latest documentary, ‘Inside the Manosphere’, sheds light on the disturbing world of online ‘manfluencers’ and their toxic ideology. The film takes a deep dive into the lives of men who have built their careers on promoting a toxic brand of masculinity, often at the expense of women’s rights and dignity.
Theroux’s calm and collected demeanor provides a stark contrast to the confident, yet disturbing, views of his subjects. These men, who have amassed large followings on social media platforms like TikTok, espouse a worldview that is rooted in misogyny and a desire to control and dominate women. Their confidence is unsettling, and their words are laced with a sense of entitlement and superiority.
The Business of Misogyny
The documentary reveals a well-oiled machine, where these ‘manfluencers’ use their charm and charisma to lure in vulnerable individuals, often young men, and sell them a toxic ideology. They prey on insecurities and use tactics like gaslighting and emotional manipulation to control and dominate their followers. This is a business, and it’s a lucrative one, with many of these individuals raking in thousands of dollars from their online endeavors. As the Wikipedia definition of misogyny states, this ideology is rooted in a deep-seated hatred and distrust of women.
The Formula for Success
So, how do these ‘manfluencers’ manage to build such large followings and amass fortunes? The formula is simple: they start by promoting a watered-down version of their ideology, often masked as self-help or motivational content. As their followers become more invested, they gradually introduce more extreme ideas, often using tactics like repetition and confirmation bias to reinforce their worldview. It’s a clever tactic, and one that has proven to be highly effective.
Some of the key characteristics of these ‘manfluencers’ include:
- A charismatic and confident persona
- A talent for storytelling and manipulation
- A willingness to push boundaries and challenge social norms
- A strong online presence, often with a large and dedicated following
These individuals are masters of manipulation, using their charm and charisma to lure in vulnerable individuals and sell them a toxic ideology. They thrive on attention and feed on the negative energy of their followers. As the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women notes, this type of ideology is a major obstacle to achieving true gender equality.
So, what can be done to stop these ‘manfluencers’ and their toxic ideology? The answer is simple: we need to stop giving them attention. We need to stop sharing their content, stop engaging with their followers, and stop perpetuating their ideology. By doing so, we can slowly but surely dismantle their empire and create a more inclusive and equitable society for all.
