A recent warning from Dr David Smith, a social psychology expert at Robert Gordon University, highlights growing concerns about the influence of social media algorithms on young boys in Scotland, particularly in relation to misogynistic content. In a discussion with the Sunday Mail, Dr Smith noted that internet searches, including seemingly harmless inquiries such as dating advice or fitness routines, are inadvertently guiding young individuals towards extremist views present in the “manosphere,” which is characterised by its unhealthy attitudes towards women.

Dr Smith’s observations are underscored by alarming anecdotes, one being about a participant in his research who, at the age of just 12, became engrossed in incel culture. He described how the youth’s online journey began with a basic search on YouTube for “how to know if a girl likes me,” which soon led him down a path filled with misogynistic ideologies, including the so-called “red pill” philosophy. “It’s worrying that anyone could, at age of 12, when you’re not even supposed to be a romantic prospect at all, go and write themselves off for the rest of their lives,” Dr Smith mentioned.

The phenomenon has gained heightened visibility, notably through a recent Netflix series titled Adolescence, co-created by Stephen Graham, which explores the tragic narrative of a schoolboy accused of murdering his female classmate. The drama has ignited discussions surrounding the factors leading to disaffected young males being drawn into toxic online subcultures, many of which exhibit far-right tendencies.

This issue of young men being influenced by such ideologies has prompted a response from law enforcement. In 2023, Police Scotland initiated a concerted effort to tackle incel culture in a wider strategy aimed at curbing violence against women and girls. This initiative comes in the wake of violent incidents inspired by incel beliefs, such as the case of Jake Davison, who, after identifying as an incel, carried out a shooting spree in Plymouth in August 2021, resulting in the deaths of five individuals, including his mother.

Dr Smith elaborated on the concept of incels, or “involuntary celibates,” positioning them as part of a broader “manosphere” ecosystem that includes other groups known for their anti-feminist sentiments. He explained that these groups tend to propagate a belief that society disadvantages men, leading to the normalisation of hate and violence against women. They adhere to various ideologies, including the “black pill”, a particularly bleak perspective that convinces adherents they have no agency to change their circumstances.

He further remarked on how online platforms can inadvertently facilitate access to this content. “If I went on TikTok right now, the word incel is blocked on TikTok. But if I put in ‘black pill’, I almost certainly would find content,” he stated. The implications of such exposure on the mental health of impressionable youths are significant, with Dr Smith noting a troubling link between incel culture and rising rates of self-harm and suicide.

Karyn McCluskey, the former CEO of Community Justice Scotland, echoed Dr Smith’s concerns, warning that the pervasive nature of the manosphere across online platforms poses risks to young men constantly engaged with their devices. She noted that innocuous searches can lead to a gradual exposure to increasingly toxic content, describing it as a “drip, drip, drip” effect that could eventually propagate nihilistic ideologies, complicating the understanding of masculinity for young individuals today.

Both experts highlight a sense of urgency in addressing how young boys are lured into such detrimental online environments, suggesting that many are searching for meaning and guidance in an uncertain societal landscape, where feelings of hopelessness may be exacerbated by broader socio-economic issues.

Source: Noah Wire Services