The manosphere is a term used for online communities across social media that promotes narrow and aggressive views of masculinity with a heavy focus on misogyny and misandry. These communities feed into male societal expectations and stereotypes through advertising 'get rich quick schemes' and extreme fitness routines (with the expectation of men being the “breadwinners” and being super fit whilst doing so) alongside promoting harmful views on women, often weaponizing and positioning them as the 'lesser' gender. With the seductive promise of success by being the “ultimate” man, it’s no surprise 61% of men (aged 16-25) will regularly and positively engage with masculinity influencers. With so many young men united in misogyny, is it really a surprise that women feel a need to date above their age range?
With the manosphere on the rise and so many young men being so easily radicalised, is it really such a surprise women choose to simply not date at all?
In a recent study by YouGov, 39% of men aged 30-35 strongly disagree with Andrew Tate’s views. This statistic rises to 57% in men aged 40-45. While it is clear there is some dispute over Tate, it is still arguably a shockingly low number of young and middle-aged adults who support him and, in turn, his misogynistic ideologies. With over half of forty-year-olds in disagreement, it is understandable why some women may seek out a relationship with someone in this older age range. However, older relationships often raise concerns over what power dynamics and imbalances may be at play. So, which is better? A relationship with someone of your own age who may subject you to manospheric ideologies or a relationship with someone older where an inequality of power is commonplace? Nevertheless, it’s clear that the dating scene for women at the moment is worrying. With the manosphere on the rise and so many young men being so easily radicalised, is it really such a surprise women choose to simply not date at all?