My Opinion on Louis Theroux’s “Inside the Manosphere”

I have to admit it. I never fully understood how people become influenced by online personalities. This isn’t meant in an elitist sense; rather, I’ve simply never felt the appeal of random internet figures who present simplistic interpretations of how the world works. What can an unsuccessful boxer truly teach about human relationships? What insight can a 20-year-old unemployed high school dropout lacking education/skills/meaningful experience offer? Most importantly, why do people feel compelled to follow them?

Louis Theroux attempts—largely successfully—to address these questions by exploring the so-called “manosphere.” This loosely defined online ecosystem can be understood as a hub of toxic masculinity that has expanded significantly in the age of social media. Within it, members are often encouraged to resent or reject anyone perceived as “other”: women, LGBTQ+ individuals, Jews, feminists, vegans, and broadly, anyone associated with progressive values.

In this context, Theroux demonstrates notable courage by engaging directly with misogynistic figures—men who view women as inferior or objectified rather than as equals. One of the documentary’s most revealing outcomes is the exposure of the insecurity and fear underlying many of these individuals. At times, Theroux appears almost like a composed teacher addressing poorly reasoned arguments, highlighting contradictions without raising his voice.

However, these men are neither naïve students nor, in many cases, particularly young. On the contrary, they often present themselves as enlightened figures—quasi–cult leaders with substantial followings. Perhaps the most disturbing aspect of the documentary is the extent to which teenagers idolize these influencers, treating them as authoritative voices or even messianic figures. While sociologists may attempt to explain this phenomenon, the underlying causes feel almost secondary—the consequences alone are troubling enough.

Some critics have described Theroux’s approach as overly cautious or lacking depth. There is some validity to that critique. However, it seems unlikely that his intention was to deliver a comprehensive sociological analysis of the manosphere. Nor is that necessarily his role. His strength lies elsewhere: in his willingness to confront these figures directly, to challenge them calmly, and to articulate his perspective without resorting to aggression. Given the often extreme and irrational views expressed by his interviewees, this restraint is no small achievement.

So, did I enjoy Inside the Manosphere? Not at all—and that says more about me than about the documentary itself. What I felt most strongly afterward was disappointment. Despite extensive academic research, countless articles, and documentaries like this one, women’s rights continue to be undermined by insecure individuals seeking a sense of superiority. At the same time, many governments appear to exploit these tensions rather than resolve them, while parents often neglect their responsibility to educate their children about equality and respect. If this trajectory continues, it is difficult to feel optimistic about the future.