Netflix’s 2026 documentary Louis Theroux: Inside the Manosphere follows the British filmmaker as he explores the world of male influencers. They promote “alpha male” ideas, fitness routines, dating tips, and traditional “mardaangi”. Many videos begin with basic self-help advice such as going to the gym, building confidence, and earning money. But it takes an extreme turn when they blame women and feminism and push radical views that turn boys against girls and equality.
Watching the documentary made me reflect a lot on the world today’s teenagers and young adults are growing up in. The film examines the manosphere, which is a part of the internet filled with videos, podcasts, and posts directed at boys and men. At first, everything sounds positive and motivating.
They urge viewers to exercise, stay disciplined, make money, and get better. But as you keep watching, the message starts to change. It starts pointing fingers at women for every difficulty men face. Men are told that feminism has weakened them and that they must wake up and regain control. This feels troubling, especially for girls who notice its effects in real life.
For many young women, dating has started to feel different or unsafe due to guys’ judgements. If a girl seems too independent, has her own ambitions, or speaks her mind freely, she may suddenly be ignored or called difficult. It makes you pause and wonder whether the person you’re talking to has been influenced by these videos. For instance, I have observed noticeable changes in boys who regularly watch this type of content. It definitely reshaped the way they think and interact.
This influence is growing strongly in India as well. Several male influencers have gained a large following among teenage boys here. You can see it among college and social media groups or just casual conversations among friends. These boys judge women quickly and expect them to stay submissive or focus mainly on supporting men’s dreams.
But how does it happen so easily? Well, you see there is a lonely or confused boy scrolling through his phone searching for motivation. He comes across videos about fitness, discipline, and success. These may seem helpful initially, but later, the algorithm recommends strong and intense material that tells you that “women are the problem” or “society favours women, so men must push back.”
Just like that, boys start hiding their emotions because showing sadness or fear will make you weak. They distance themselves from their female friends and even family. Eventually, such behaviour leaves them feeling more isolated and their mental health quietly suffers.
What makes it sadder is that many of these boys are facing challenges like the pressure to succeed and confusion about growing up. Instead of receiving healthy support, they consume these angry videos, which do not build real confidence. Instead, it traps them in a weird cycle.
Well, we need to understand that behind all these videos is a clear money-making business. Influencers sell expensive courses and programs and earn huge profits while spreading ideas that harm relationships and mental peace. The profit is huge for them, but the cost of increased harassment and confused young minds is paid by everyone else as boys are taught to see girls as competition instead of partners.
We do not need to blame every man or boy for this trend. Most guys are simply trying to navigate life like everyone else. The real issue is the toxic version of manhood being sold online because true strength looks very different. It is found in men who can be kind without feeling less manly, who listen to their girlfriend’s dreams, support their sister’s choices, and are not afraid to show emotions or admit their mistakes. There are also men who speak up when someone makes a disrespectful comment in their friend group. Even though the actions are small, they make a big difference.
Real manhood is not about putting women down because they feel powerful. It is about lifting each other up. Families, schools, and communities can help by providing positive role models and encouraging open conversations about emotions and respect.
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Instead of following angry online influencers, these men deserve real guidance that builds healthy minds and strong relationships. Girls and women are not against boys. We simply want a world where everyone can grow freely, without fear or hatred holding them back.
Well, the manosphere may seem loud right now, but in reality, life offers something heartwarming and meaningful connections built on mutual respect and understanding.