Jack Thorne, co-creator of the hit Netflix series “Adolescence,” has recently addressed the wave of false claims circulating about him on social media in the wake of the show’s success. The four-part crime drama, co-written with actor Steven Graham, delves into a tale where a 13-year-old boy, Jamie Miller, played by newcomer Owen Cooper, is accused of murdering his female classmate. The series has quickly risen to prominence, becoming one of the platform’s most-watched programmes globally and even sparking discussions in the UK Parliament.

Set against the backdrop of incel culture—which has faced criticism for perpetuating misogyny online—the show also examines how social media is utilised in bullying. Speaking on BBC Two’s current affairs programme Newsnight, Thorne elaborated on his experience, noting the peculiar comments being directed at him. “I’ve been on the television a little bit, and what’s been happening in the last few days is my picture is being circulated with questions (made about) my masculinity,” Thorne remarked. He further noted that some online users have questioned his gender identity and made assertions about his ethnic background, stating, “It’s been very odd, and it’s given me a taste of something that’s very strange.”

In light of the show’s content, Thorne has expressed a desire for it to be viewed in both Parliament and educational settings. During a recent Prime Minister’s Questions session, Sir Keir Starmer endorsed this idea, confirming that he watched the series with his children and highlighted the pressing issue of violence among young men being influenced by online content. The Prime Minister described this phenomenon as “abhorrent” and acknowledged the need for governmental action to address it.

Thorne hopes to leverage this moment to inspire significant changes in policy, referencing developments in Australia where the Senate has moved to impose bans on social media access for young children. He proposed that UK legislation should similarly protect teenagers and subsequently evaluate the potential societal changes that may ensue. His comments come in the context of new regulations in Australia that could impose fines up to 50 million Australian dollars (£25 million) on major social media platforms that fail to prevent users under 16 from creating accounts.

While acknowledging the merits of social media and gaming, Thorne insists that active measures must be taken to safeguard young people from harmful influences. Addressing broader cultural themes, he indicated the relevance of these issues, stating, “This is why the series has ‘struck a chord’ worldwide.” His insights were echoed in a recent speech by Sir Gareth Southgate, who delivered the Richard Dimbleby Lecture at the University of London. Southgate highlighted the role of “manipulative and toxic influencers” in misguiding young men, stating that many are led to believe that women are opposed to them, which exacerbates their search for direction and leads them into the hands of poor role models.

Source: Noah Wire Services