incubating solutions

Decoding Manosphere Myths

The 2020s has seen the rise of online disinformation and ultra-masculinity influencers. With AMAZE, we’re getting youth and adults the education and tools to counter it.

What's at stake

From self-improvement to fitness, gaming, and dating, young men are receiving a torrent of information, aided by algorithms, on who they are supposed to be from social media and podcasts. As a result, 73% of boys report regular exposure to this digital masculinity content, much of this content is laced with harmful messages about male dominance, hyper-independence, and misogyny. There is growing evidence that high exposure to this content is correlated with negative self-esteem, loneliness, and emotional repression.

69%

of men are concerned about rhetoric related to sexism on social media

3.6x

boys are 3.6 times more likely to generate deepfakes compared to girls

94%

of teens wish their schools taught media literacy, but only 39% got such instruction during the 2023-24 school year

73%

of boys regularly encounter masculinity-related content

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Boys find themselves in the manosphere seeking answers to genuine questions that they have. The task becomes how to help them become more critically engaged as they navigate these online spaces. — Dr. Joseph Nelson

Our Innovation

Amidst the rapidly evolving environment of Manosphere social media and culture, it is essential that youth advocates, educators, and parents stay informed not just about trends and language, but of resources that can help craft education that is engaging, authentic, and impactful. It is equally essential that youth have alternative, positive sources of education on the topics they’re interested in.

Youth Videos

What if when boys ages 11-18 go online seeking genuine answers to their questions, they found fun, thoughtful, age-appropriate content developed by public health professionals? AMAZE, Equimundo, and Futures Without Violence created exactly that: Five videos placed and promoted on Youtube which address topics like Looksmaxxing, Loneliness, and AI Nudes. The videos have garnered more than 200,000 views and counting and will be used in classrooms for years to come.

Learning Brief & Discussion Guides

In the fields of youth education on media literacy, healthy relationships, and violence prevention, there is a gap of materials and guidance on addressing Manosphere and digital masculinity subjects. With AMAZE, we’re creating youth videos, educator discussion guides, and adult learning briefs on key Manosphere topics. Crafted for diverse audiences, this Solution will help answer the questions we are all asking: “What do I need to know about the Manosphere?” and, “How can I bring up these topics in my classroom, youth center, or home next week?”

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Media

Video: The Truth About Looksmaxxing

Brief for Parents & Educators: Looksmaxxing

Video: DeepFakes Aren't Fake. Here's Why.

Brief for Parents & Educators: Deepfakes (AI Nudes)

Video: How Gaming Improves Emotional Regulation

Brief for Parents & Educators: Video Games & Mental Health

Video: How to Get a Girl to Like Me

Brief for Parents & Educators: Dating Advice for Boys

Video: 3 Reasons You’re Lonely (And How to Fix It)

Brief for Parents & Educators: Loneliness

Coming Soon!

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about the innovator

AMAZE

A program of Advocates for Youth, AMAZE produces fun, animated videos to provide young people the answers they actually want to know about puberty, sex, their bodies, and healthy relationships. AMAZE has produced more than 300 videos across the globe, with nearly 2,000 global adaptations in 70+ languages and dialects.

Get involved with LinkUp Lab!

Whether you have any idea to test or scale, are a content creator looking to leverage your platform for good, are a parent seeking guidance on digital topics, or are interested in supporting the growth of LinkUp Lab, we would be grateful to connect with you!