Netflix just dropped a show that's got everyone talking and maybe a little worried. It's called Adolescence and it throws you right into a messed-up situation a teenage boy stabs a classmate. But this isn't your typical crime drama. Adolescence wants to know WHY. And the answers it finds are pretty unsettling pointing fingers at toxic masculinity online culture and yeah even Andrew Tate .
'Adolescence': More Than a Whodunit It's a Whydunnit That Terrifies
Forget suspense about who did it. Adolescence kicks off by showing you right away that 13-year-old Jamie did indeed commit the crime. The real mystery is why a seemingly normal kid would do something so extreme. Each episode plays out in one long shot focusing on different people in Jamie's life his dad his friends the investigators. It is intense and it is meant to make you think.
The show isn't shy about tackling big issues. We are talking gender roles misogyny online violence and the scary influence of the "manosphere." What's the "manosphere" you ask? It's this network of online spaces where guys spread often really harmful ideas about what it means to be a man and how they should treat women. Think rigid "alpha male" stuff and outdated stereotypes. Adolescence wants to show how this online world can bleed into real life especially for young guys who are still figuring things out.
Andrew Tate Enters the Chat: The Manosphere's Real-World Influence on Teens
The show doesn't just hint at online influences it names names. Andrew Tate a super controversial figure in the "manosphere" gets directly mentioned. Investigators in Adolescence wonder if Jamie was listening to Tate and his kind of messaging. And that's not far-fetched at all. Tate is HUGE online especially with young men. He pushes really misogynistic views and ideas about male dominance and power.
It is important to note that Tate and his brother are facing serious criminal charges in Romania including rape and human trafficking. They deny everything but his real-world legal issues just add another layer to the show's exploration of his potentially harmful online influence.
Adolescence is not saying Andrew Tate directly made Jamie stab someone. It is more nuanced than that. It is showing how these online spaces and figures can create an environment where toxic ideas can take root especially in vulnerable teenagers.
Is Your Kid Watching This Stuff? 'Adolescence' as a Wake-Up Call for Parents and Educators
Experts who work with young people are saying Adolescence is important. It's a chance for parents and teachers to really understand what's going on with teen boys online. One expert Bernadette Johnston points out Jamie isn't just some cartoon villain. He is complex. He has got anger issues maybe some narcissism but he is also just a teenager trying to figure things out in a world that's throwing a lot of confusing messages at him.
Thomas Michael who works at a school in the UK is using the show to talk to parents about the "manosphere." He says parents need to wake up and realize their kids probably know way more about this online world than they do. His advice? Educate yourself. Know what your kids are seeing online. Talk to them about it. Be open. Don't freak out if they bring up controversial stuff but try to understand where they are coming from.
The creators of Adolescence want the show to spark conversations at home in schools even maybe among lawmakers. How do we help boys deal with these pressures? How do we stop online misogyny from turning into real-world violence? These are tough questions and Adolescence does not have easy answers but it's starting a crucial dialogue.
Teenage Boys and the Manosphere: A Dark Mirror?
One of the writers of Adolescence Jack Thorne said researching the "manosphere" was disturbing because he could see how easily he himself as a teen could have been drawn into it. He understood the appeal of "incel" culture this idea that guys are "involuntarily celibate" and it's all women's fault.
The show touches on this "80-20 rule" myth that says 80% of women only want 20% of men. The "manosphere" often uses this to justify manipulative and toxic behaviors. They tell young men they have to "trick" women to get attention because they will never get it "normally." It is a really warped and damaging worldview.
Experts say this kind of messaging is everywhere online bombarding young people 24/7. We don't even fully know the long-term effects of this constant exposure to toxic ideas. But Adolescence is showing us a possible worst-case scenario and it's not pretty.
Starting the Conversation: How to Talk to Teens About "Manosphere" Content and Toxic Masculinity
If you are a parent or caregiver what can you do? Experts recommend getting informed. Download the apps your teens are using. See what websites they are visiting even if it feels "foreign" or "scary." Set boundaries about phone use especially in bedrooms and after bedtime. But most importantly talk to your teens.
If your teen brings up something toxic or something they heard from the "manosphere" don't freak out and yell. Instead be curious. Ask them "What do you mean by that?" Try to understand their perspective even if you disagree with it. Making it a huge deal might just make them defensive and less likely to talk to you in the future.
Adolescence is not easy viewing but it could be a starting point for important conversations at home. Maybe watch it with your teenager and discuss it together. It's a chance to connect understand and hopefully help them navigate these tricky online spaces and messages.
Key Takeaways from 'Adolescence': Understanding Teen Boys and the Manosphere
- Explores the "whydunnit" not just "whodunnit" of teen violence focusing on root causes.
- Highlights the influence of the "manosphere" and figures like Andrew Tate on young men.
- Shows how toxic masculinity and misogynistic online content can affect teen behavior.
- Emphasizes the need for parental awareness and open communication with teens about online influences.
- Serves as a wake-up call about the real-world consequences of online extremism and hate.
- Promotes discussion about how to support teen boys and prevent violence against girls.