The Manosphere: Why it appeals to adolescent boys and how to talk about it
On 21 May, MensCraft will be hosting an event at The Forum in Norwich titled ‘The Manosphere: Why it appeals to adolescent boys and how to talk about it.’ It’s a conversation that feels increasingly urgent – not just for those of us working directly with young people, but for parents, teachers, youth workers and anyone trying to make sense of what it means to grow up male today.
Meet your host
I’m Cody Sollows, Programme Manager for Finding My Way, MensCraft’s programme for boys and young men aged 13-19. I work alongside teenagers navigating a world that is louder, faster and more complex than ever – especially when it comes to identity, belonging and masculinity.
I have spent the last 10 years working with teenagers, helping them to explore their identities, plan for positive futures, and to explore their own strengths. Over this time, I have supported many adolescent males on this journey, helping them to live healthier lives with happier relationships. I have had difficult conversations about trauma, identity and masculinity. I see the value our boys and young men can offer to society, if given a voice.
What I see in the room
The young men I meet aren’t stereotypes, but many of them are quietly struggling to make sense of themselves and their place in the world. Many are asking big questions:
- What kind of man am I supposed to be?
- Where do I fit?
- How do I deal with anger, rejection and loneliness?
These are not new questions. But the landscape in which they’re being asked has changed dramatically. Today’s boys are growing up in an online ecosystem where answers – or at least confident-sounding ones – are always available. This is where the Manosphere comes in.
The pull of the Manosphere
The term ‘Manosphere’ covers a loose network of online spaces – forums, influencers, podcasts – that claim to offer guidance on masculinity, success, relationships and power. For some young men, these spaces can feel compelling because they offer:
- Clarity in a confusing world
- Certainty in place of doubt
- Belonging in place of isolation
- Simple explanations for complex issues
When a boy feels overlooked, frustrated or unsure of himself, that kind of messaging can land powerfully. It can feel like someone is finally speaking directly to him.
It’s natural for young men to look for guidance. The problem is what kind of guidance they’re finding. Too often, the narratives within the manosphere narrow masculinity down to the importance of looks, wealth, dominance, control or opposition – particularly in relation to women and wider society. They can shut down emotional expression, reinforce rigid thinking, and deepen a sense of grievance rather than resolve it.
A different kind of space
At MensCraft, and through Finding My Way, we take a different approach. We start from the belief that masculinity isn’t a fixed template – it’s something that can be explored, questioned and shaped. Young men don’t need to be told who to be; they need space and time to work it out. That’s what we try to offer:
- Spaces where boys can speak honestly without being judged
- Conversations that don’t shut down difficult topics, but address them with care
- Practical tools to navigate emotions, relationships and identity
- A sense of connection – with themselves and with others
Importantly, we don’t dismiss the influence of the Manosphere outright. If we simply tell young men that what they’re seeing online is “wrong” or “toxic,” we risk shutting down the conversation entirely. Instead, we try to stay curious:
- What is this content giving you?
- What feels true about it?
- Where does it fall short?
That’s where real engagement begins.
Why this event matters
The event on 21 May is about opening up this conversation more widely with the people who matter most: those living and working with the young men who are likely to encounter these views. We want to explore:
- Why the manosphere resonates with adolescent boys
- What needs or gaps it might be filling
- How adults can respond in ways that build trust rather than push young men away
- How we can create more positive, grounded narratives around masculinity
Because this isn’t just an online issue, it’s a relational one. It’s about how young men experience themselves in the world, and whether they feel seen, heard and supported.
Book now
Tickets are £12 plus booking fee. Book before midday on Friday 1 May for a 20% discount.