Netflix's Adolescence sheds light on the dangers of red pill content and online radicalisation

Netflix’s latest miniseries Adolescence has sparked widespread discussion for its unflinching portrayal of teenage boys falling into the dangerous ideology of the ‘manosphere’ - a network of online spaces where toxic masculinity and misogyny thrive.

The four-part series, which delves into the radicalisation of a 13-year-old boy accused of murdering his female classmate, serves as a stark warning about the growing influence of red pill content on young audiences.

A window into online radicalisation

Adolescence follows the story of Jamie Miller, played by Owen Cooper, a seemingly ordinary teenager who becomes embroiled in the incel (involuntary celibate) community - an online subculture that promotes resentment against women and blames them for perceived injustices in dating and relationships.

The series underscores how social media algorithms, prioritising engagement over ethics, inadvertently fuel the spread of such content.

What begins as harmless self-improvement videos can quickly escalate into a worldview where masculinity is defined by power, control, and a deep-rooted hostility toward women.

The role of social media and the ‘manosphere’

The manosphere - consisting of forums, YouTube channels, and podcasts - propagates the idea that modern society is rigged against men, particularly those who identify as ‘nice guys.’ The show exposes how these platforms serve as echo chambers, reinforcing extreme beliefs and fostering a sense of victimhood among young men.

Even simple emojis, as highlighted in Adolescence, acquire hidden meanings in these circles, further deepening the ideological divide between users and the outside world.

The dangerous influence of red pill ideology

The red pill, a term borrowed from The Matrix, symbolises awakening to a supposed truth about gender relations.

In the manosphere, being ‘red-pilled’ equates to rejecting mainstream narratives about gender equality and embracing a belief that women manipulate men for personal gain.

Experts, including sociolinguist Dr. Robert Lawson, have noted that this ideology distorts reality and fuels resentment, often pushing vulnerable individuals toward extremist thought patterns.

In one of the series’ most impactful moments, a detective, played by Ashley Walters, only realises the gravity of this ideology when his teenage son explains the true meanings behind certain emojis used in Jamie Miller’s social media interactions. Among them, the red pill emoji signifies ideological awakening, while others, such as the kidney bean and dynamite emojis, are used to identify with incel communities or express violent tendencies.

The consequences of online misogyny

As Adolescence gains widespread recognition, experts and educators are urging parents to become more aware of the digital spaces their children inhabit. Amit Kalley, a former educator in British schools, emphasised the need for better awareness, stating that many parents and teachers are unaware of the coded language and symbols used in these online communities.

British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy therapist Jenny Warwick has also encouraged parents to foster open conversations with their children about gender discourse and online interactions.

A wake-up call for society

Filmmaker Karan Johar described Adolescence as a crucial commentary on parenting in the digital age, noting that today’s teenagers grow up in a world dominated by social media rather than real-life experiences. The show serves as both a cautionary tale and a call to action, urging parents, educators, and policymakers to address the influence of toxic masculinity on impressionable minds.

In the show, Jamie's hostility towards his female classmate comes from her rejection of his romantic proposal which he perceives as bullying. This showcases the extent of the red pill ideology influencing young minds. Adult characters in the show are baffled by his lack of remorse and belief that Katie deserved what he did to her.