Manosphere and online misogyny should be treated as public health issues, say UK experts

A new report published in The Lancet urges governments to address online misogyny and the influence of the "manosphere" as a public health crisis, drawing parallels to campaigns against smoking and obesity. Experts argue that a multi-agency approach—spanning schools, healthcare services, and community groups—could help mitigate the harms linked to toxic online masculinity. The proposal highlights the need for systemic intervention rather than isolated measures, framing the issue as one requiring urgent societal action. The report suggests offering positive alternatives to counter the spread of harmful ideologies.

Report calls for an effort to tackle harms in similar way to obesity and smoking, and stresses need to ‘offer boys something better’The manosphere and online misogyny should be treated by the government as a public health issue, in the same way as obesity or smoking, experts have said.Writing in the Lancet, the authors of a new report argue that a coordinated response is needed, involving governments, schools, health services and community organisations, similar to the public-health response to tobacco use and ultra-processed food. Continue reading...