"We are all increasingly inside the manosphere, and it's up to us how we get out."
That's the warning posed by Louis Theroux in his latest documentary, 'Inside the Manosphere', which explores the rise of right-leaning online communities of men, also known as 'manfluencers.'
The film has sparked widespread discussion both online and off, leaving viewers with questions that go far beyond surface-level curiosities - why do so many of these men keep that small patch of hair unshaved? And what are they preparing for with such intense exercise routines? Toward something more urgent: how can we loosen the grip these communities have on young men, and on society more broadly?
In the search for answers, it's helpful to understand how the manosphere came to be in the first place.
A 2021 study published in the Proceedings of the International AAAI Conference on Web and Social Media explains that its genesis lies in the Men's Liberation Movement of the 1960s and 1970s.
That movement initially centred on the idea that traditional gender roles could be restrictive for men, creating dialogue around expectation, stoicism, dominance, and emotional restraint. Over time, however, parts of it evolved into something more adversarial, with feminism framed as the source of 'men's problems.'
While the internet didn't necessarily create these beliefs, it accelerated them. The study points to a growing network of forums, blogs, and online communities built around shared grievances about modern masculinity. This was quickly overshadowed by more extreme communities, including incels and Men Going Their Own Way (MGTOW).
Louis Theroux latest documentary, 'Inside the Manosphere', explores the rise of right-leaning online communities of men. Photo: Louis Theroux Instagram
Lise Waldek is a Senior Lecturer in the School of International Studies at Macquarie University whose expertise centres on far-right violent extremism.
Waldek explains that while the manosphere's appeal is complex - often tied to identity, belonging, and frustration with modern masculinity - the language used within these communities can play a role in reinforcing these ideas.
By coining terms that signal insider knowledge, the manosphere both reinforces group identity and draws in new participants who want to be in the know.
One key example of this is the red pill.
Adapted from the 1999 film The Matrix, in the eyes of the manosphere, taking the red pill symbolises awakening to the truth about gender relations and society - one that is deliberately hidden from the mainstream.
"The concept of pilling is effective because it's part of the conspiratorial nature of these conversations," explains Waldek.
"Within the far right, there was this kind of sense that there were normies, and then there were the people in the know. And people in the know could take the red pill."
"While the manosphere is distinct from far-right extremist movements and warrants its own specific understandings and considerations, there are areas where these blur."
This manifests in different ways across communities. In looksmaxxing spaces, men attempt to 'beat the system' by optimising their appearance and social capital. In incel forums, however, the tone often shifts toward nihilism and determinism.
"You essentially make it totally acceptable to be Islamophobic, racist, anti-Semitic, and anti LGBTQI. You destroy democracy from within through the political process itself," explains Waldek.
"In its most extreme forms, that process becomes tied to violence, which is where the idea of the 'black pill' comes in."
Once someone adopts that worldview, she adds, changing it can become difficult.
"After taking the pill - once you believe you have that knowledge - there's a sense there's no going back. That's not to say that I don't think that once you have taken a black pill you can't change your decision and identity - it's harder but not impossible."
In the eyes of the manosphere, taking the red pill symbolises awakening to the truth about gender relations and society. Photo: Louis Theroux Instagram
Of course, any discussion of the manosphere must also assess its growing impact on women.
Theroux's documentary itself has drawn criticism for its portrayal of women, who briefly appear as wives or girlfriends in the orbit of wealthy manfluencers, in subservient roles.
Intentionally or not, Waldek argues these portrayals reinforce a broader pattern - justifying men's toxic behaviours through childhood experiences, strained maternal relationships, or romantic rejection.
She says this framing means what lies at the core of the manosphere - misogyny - becomes less of the focus.
"Australia has a major problem with domestic violence and structural systemic misogyny," reflects Waldek.
"I'm not sure that that's solely getting it from the online environment, but maybe the online environment is giving them a slightly more accessible language to talk about that systemic, structural violence that is acceptable, which we have clearly accepted for a really long time."
This suggests a crisis far bigger than a single online subculture, as the manosphere transforms from a niche part of the internet into a global, social ecosystem - one that shapes identity, politics, and relationships.
Waldek says how young people encounter these spaces during identity-forming life stages is critical.
"Do we want young people forming their identities in these spaces? No, we don't. It doesn't matter whether you're looksmaxxing, red pilling, or watching gory videos.
"These kinds of environments of polarisation and toxicity are not a place where young people should be solely going through identity formation and helping to reinforce those communities. That's the bottom line here."
The challenge then becomes not just understanding the manosphere, but how we respond to it. And if Louis Theroux is right, the question is simple: will we confront it, or remain trapped inside?
If you or anyone you know needs support call Lifeline on 131 114, beyondblue on 1800 512 348, or the MensLine Australia (1300 78 99 78). Services such as No to Violence and Movember offer resources for men, as well as for friends, family members, and partners seeking guidance.
