What do you do when dating doesn’t go your way? Work on yourself? Try again? Or… descend into a rabbit hole of misogyny, conspiracy theories, and self-pity? In this episode, we’re breaking down the Manosphere, where incels, red-pillers, and black-pillers unite in their shared frustration with women, society, and reality itself. We do our best to understand what draws some young men to this online space, and why they’re vulnerable to radicalization. It paints a bleak picture of the impacts of toxic masculinity, but helps us humanize those who have been sucked in. Grab your popcorn (or your nearest therapist), because this one’s a ride.

Sources**

“Swallowing and spitting out the red pill: young men, vulnerability, and radicalization pathways in the manosphere”

Incel Ideology, Radicalization and Mental Health: A Survey Study

The 'Incel' Ideology Continues to Build a Strong Following in the Online 'Manosphere'

Masculinity and U.S. Extremism: What Makes Young Men Vulnerable to Toxic Ideologies

Book: He/She/They: How We Talk About Gender and Why it Matters by Schuyler Bailar

Involuntary Celibacy: A Review of Incel Ideology and Experiences with Dating, Rejection, and Associated Mental Health and Emotional Sequelae

YouTube's Recommendation Algorithm is Left-Leaning in the United States

YouTube's Algorithm More Likely to Recommend Users Right-Wing and Religious Content, Research Finds

Gamers, Memes, and Incels: A Review of Online Anti-Feminism and Misogyny

How a Masculine Culture That Favors Sexual Conquests Gave Us Todays ‘Incles’