Ohio groups work to combat 'manosphere' radicalization

By Nadia Ramlagan

Groups in Ohio are working to raise awareness of why so many boys and young men are being pulled into what has been dubbed the “manosphere," online communities encouraging misogyny, which have been linked to a rise in sexual and domestic violence.

Jayvon Howard, manager of engaging men initiatives for the Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence, said many young men and boys are looking for role models but finding them in the wrong places. He added while there is not enough research yet to pinpoint specific red flags, changes in language and low self-esteem can be indicators.

"Looking for signs: Are they being transparent about their usage of their internet? You know, are they being transparent about who they're talking to and who they're watching online?" Howard outlined.

The Alliance to End Sexual Violence hosted a panel discussion last week on how advocates in the Buckeye State can help local communities prevent young people from becoming radicalized and how to better engage men and boys.

Julius Payne, director of prevention at the Hope and Healing Survivor Resource Center in Akron, said in online forums and on social media and websites, manosphere influencers downplay sexual assault or even deny it exists.

"Things like, 'Just keep going after what you want, even if someone said no. If finally someone gives in, or you sexually assault someone, this is essentially what they wanted in the end,'" Payne gave as examples.

RahK Lash, vice president of healthy manhood initiatives for the nonprofit A Call to Men, said there is mounting evidence on the epidemic of loneliness among young men and boys and how it has coincided with the rise of the manosphere. He pointed out many young men still feel the traditional pressures of being a protector and provider, and these are spaces where societal frustration can shift into dangerous territory.

"Connection, audacity and permission. Those are the three things that we see that lay this fertile ground for a radicalization of our boys and our men," Lash explained.

One study in Australia found more than one-third of boys ages 13–17 agreed with misogynistic attitudes and said they support violence to resist feminism. Around 40% said they believe women lie about domestic and sexual violence.