>>Part One: A Guide to Raising Teen Boys with ADHD

The toxic masculinity pipeline is active online, yet most boys and young men are not actively seeking it out. Entry into the manosphere often begins innocently — a desire for self-improvement. Social media algorithms funnel teenage boys who seek advice on fitness, social skills, mental health, discipline, dating, and similar topics to communities and influencers that promote extreme, hateful views.

Boys who struggle with social isolation, low self-esteem and self-efficacy, and mental health challenges are at greatest risk of getting sucked into these echo chambers. Such spaces often espouse misogynistic beliefs — for example, that the advancement of women’s rights and gender equality are to blame for the challenges facing men today. According to a report from Common Sense Media, more than two-thirds of teen boys regularly see masculinity content that reinforces gender stereotypes. Those who are exposed to higher levels of this content are more likely to experience low self-esteem and feelings of loneliness.

Beyond pressuring boys to be dominant, emotionless, and aggressive, these communities promote narrow views of masculinity, like a success-at-any-cost mentality. Prominent manosphere figures include Jordan Peterson and Andrew Tate, who faces charges of human trafficking and sexual assault in several countries.

Understand the landscape. Be aware of terms commonly shared in these spaces, from “redpill” to “alpha/beta” and more. UNwomen.org offers a helpful manosphere glossary.

Critically evaluate online content. Ask your child: Does the community or influencer make you feel…

• …angry — at yourself or a group of people?
• …like you’re being driven to an unrealistic standard?
• …inadequate — like you’re not doing enough?
• …hopeless, like the world is rigged against you for being male?

Spot red flags. Watch for irritability and anger, sweeping negative generalizations about women, deteriorating relationships with females (mom, sister, classmates, etc.), and talking as if from a script.

Promote positive masculinity. Spotlight diverse male role models and have ongoing conversations about what healthy masculinity looks like. A good start? Watch ADDitude’s ADHD men’s roundtable: additu.de/100725

• Read: What Terrifies Men? Vulnerability.
• Read: On Finding a Healthier Way to Be a Man
• Read: “7 Ways to Parent in the Age of Brain Rot”

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