- A gender gap widens among Gen Z, with women more liberal and men drifting against women’s issues.
- “Manosphere” podcasts by anti-feminists like Andrew Tate draw young male followers.
- Social media rapidly amplifies their polarizing messages, radicalizing boys as young as 11.
Gender gap widening
A widening gender gap in political and social beliefs among Gen Z is alarming experts.
Polls show young women ages 18-29 embracing more liberal ideologies over time, while young men drift in the opposite direction – caring less about issues like sexual harassment or gender discrimination.
Influence of “manosphere” podcasters
Many cite the swelling influence of extreme anti-feminist internet personalities known as “manosphere” podcasters.
Figures like the recently arrested Andrew Tate attract young male followers by arguing women unfairly benefit from feminism, hold too much power in society, and should return to traditional gender roles.
Social media’s role in polarization
While misogynistic online communities have existed for years, experts say podcasts and social platforms now rapidly amplify their reach. Impressionable boys as young as 11 openly idolize teachers like Tate.
Algorithms reward inflammatory content that keeps users engaged, further polarizing gender dynamics.
Some believe accountable reforms by tech platforms are overdue before society sees even more young men radicalized towards dangerous views about women’s rights and roles. But diverse hiring also remains minimal among many social media firms.
