Experts warn rising ‘manosphere’ influence on boys may drive violent, sexual offenses
More boys and young men with problematic, violent behavior are being influenced by the manosphere, according to De Waag, the country’s largest outpatient forensic mental health institution.
Each year, about 800 boys are treated at the institution for transgressive behavior, NOS reports. De Waag estimates that three-quarters of these boys have come into contact with the manosphere.
According to staff members, the manosphere can encourage boys and young men to develop distrust toward female workers, making communication more difficult.
The manosphere is an online space where men express anti-feminist views and promote macho behavior. Groups within it frequently blame feminists, or women in general, for a range of societal problems. Resentment toward women—and in some cases hatred and violence—is often encouraged.
One well-known example, though not the only one, is American-British influencer Andrew Tate, who has faced criminal charges in Romania related to allegations of organized crime and human trafficking but has not been convicted.
“About 40 percent of adolescents are so influenced by the manosphere that it can be considered a risk factor. This means that, partly due to this influence, they exhibit transgressive behavior or are at high risk of doing so,” Larissa Hoogsteder, director of treatment affairs at De Waag and professor of forensic orthopedagogical diagnostics and treatment at the University of Amsterdam, told NOS.
According to her, these boys are particularly susceptible: they are sensitive to rewards, want to belong, act impulsively, and are easily influenced.
This influence often occurs through platforms such as Telegram and Reddit. The behavior of the boys in question can lead to various crimes. De Waag is seeing a significant increase in cases involving sextortion, as well as violent and property crimes. “The crimes are committed partly under the influence of the manosphere,” Hoogsteder stated.
“The manosphere is a complex problem; we are currently only seeing the tip of the iceberg,” said Minerva Ishak, a clinical psychologist at Transfore and provider of forensic care, who specializes in extremism and radicalization.
Forensic institution Fivoor also reports an increase in young people affected by the manosphere and shares these concerns. “The influence begins at a young age, when people come into contact with the online world,” psychiatrist and director of patient care Rosalind van der Lem told NOS.
