MANOSPHERE

The manosphere refers to a loosely connected network of online communities, blogs, forums, and social media spaces that focus on men's issues, masculinity, and male perspectives on gender relations. The term entered the mainstream in the late 2000s and early 2010s, as these communities became more visible and interconnected.

There seems little doubt that men today are facing complex challenges stemming from evolving societal roles. Experts point to declining male participation in education and the workforce, a pervasive "loneliness epidemic," significant mental health struggles, and higher rates of suicide, often exacerbated by a reluctance to seek help due to societal expectations of male stoicism. A whole network has emerged to help men face these challenges. That network is collectively known as the manosphere.

Typically, as the business model of social media companies is based on promoting division and outrage, the manosphere has come to be dominated by divisive individuals and ideologies. It is now the place where disaffected men gather to blame women for their problems. It has become a self-help cult where boys ("betrayed" by a world that won't guarantee them sex or status) and older men (unsettled by changing gender roles and identities) rage against modernity and fill the pockets of online grifters who encourage them to swap the prison of societal expectations for one of paranoid, joyless hyper-competition. The manosphere is now a support group that makes its members more miserable. Some of the main groups and communities are:

It's easy for men seeking answers or connection to get drawn into online spaces that start out offering support but slowly shift into resentment and blame, and it's easy to laugh at or dismiss their concerns. If you find your world narrowing, your trust in others fading, or your anger growing — Stop! Talk to real-life friends, stay curious about different views, and remember that strength includes compassion. For families and friends, watch for sudden personality changes, obsessive online activity and, especially, hostility toward women. Don't shame. Instead, listen, ask questions, show care, create space for conversation, and try to promote positive male role models. Radicalization often grows in silence. Connection, patience, and presence are your strongest tools.

As it is formed by merging two terms into one, manosphere is a portmanteau word. It is a combination of the words man and sphere (i.e., a range or area of activity). The word portmanteau originates from the French word for a large suitcase, made up of a blend of "porter" (to carry) and "manteau" (a cloak).