Stephen Graham Discusses Influence of Incel Culture on Netflix’s “Adolescence

‘Adolescence’ Series Tackles Incel Culture and Social Media’s Impact on youth

A new limited series, ‘Adolescence,’ premiering April 13, 2025, on Netflix, directly confronts the growing concerns surrounding incel culture and the pervasive influence of social media on young people. The series aims to spark a crucial dialog about misogyny, online radicalization, and the obligation of society, parents, and government in safeguarding the well-being of the next generation.

The Rise of Misogynistic Tendencies

Actor Stephen Graham, starring in ‘Adolescence’, emphasizes the urgent need to address these issues, stating that the rise of “misogynistic tendencies” is concerning and we’re “all accountable to an extent” to finding a solution.” He was inspired to create the show after asking himself, “Why does this kind of thing happen? What is this society? Why have we reached this point where this kind of thing is happening? What was the reason?”

Incel Culture Defined

The term “incel,” derived from “involuntarily celibate,” describes individuals who feel unable to find a romantic partner despite desiring one. A more radicalized subculture has emerged online, characterized by anti-feminist views and the belief that men are superior and entitled to objectify women. Social media influencers, such as Andrew Tate, have been linked to this concerning trend.

Ashley Walters’ Concerns

Ashley Walters, also starring in the series, expressed his shock upon delving into the world of incel ideology. “I’d seen bits of the Andrew Tate stuff kind of popping up online or whatever, but I never really delved into it. And for me, this was the first real experience.” Walters also shared his worry for what children are growing up in, adding “I do sometimes feel sorry for [kids]. When I was growing up, I was in a bubble. I didn’t have a clue what was going on in the States and other parts of the world.

The Importance of Open Dialogue

Walters believes it’s crucial for young boys to openly discuss their emotions. “It’s really important that we have these conversations and we make it normal to have discussions just like women and young girls do about feelings and whatever they’re going through.”

He acknowledges the difficulty young men face in expressing vulnerability, stating, “That was one of the big reasons why I wanted to be a part of this conversation that we’re creating, because I’m a strong advocate for, as a man, being vulnerable, crying in front of my friends, and just saying how I feel.”

Government Intervention Needed

Jack Thorne, the co-creator and writer of the series, believes that government intervention is necessary to guide children and parents on the responsible use of social media. “I think this government needs to do something”. He further explained the need for conversations surrounding restricting social media access, saying, “And we need to be having conversations like australia’s having conversations, whether they’re actually putting in legislation about restricting social media access. We need to be having those conversations in this country and we’re not. And if we don’t have these conversations, it is going to get worse.”

Dangers Beyond Andrew Tate

Thorne warns that the problem extends far beyond figures like andrew Tate. “There’s much worse stuff out there. And it teaches kids a logic… that makes sense of the world for them in a really distorted and ugly way. And unless we look at that and talk about that, things are only going to get worse.”

Government Response

A government spokesperson stated their commitment to online safety for young people: “We are committed to keeping young people safe online.” They highlighted upcoming measures, stating, “Starting next week, Ofcom can begin enforcing the online Safety Act’s illegal content duties, targeting the most harmful material. By summer,children will be protected from harmful content,and platforms must take steps to ensure age-appropriate experiences online.”

The spokesperson added,”These protections will act as the foundation and our priority is implementing them quickly and effectively. We also know there will be more to do and have already acted, including commissioning a study to assess current research on the impact of social media and smartphones, strengthening the evidence base on their impact on children’s wellbeing.”

A Call to Action

‘Adolescence’ promises to be a thought-provoking and timely series that demands attention and encourages critical reflection on the digital landscape our children navigate. Watch “Adolescence” on Netflix starting April 13,2025,and join the conversation about protecting our youth in the digital age. Share this article to raise awareness and promote proactive engagement in addressing these vital issues.

How might Netflix’s “Adolescence” contribute to raising awareness about incel culture and its potential dangers among young audiences?

Discussing ‘Adolescence’: Social Media, Incel Culture, and Youth Wellbeing

We sat down with Dr. Eleanor Vance, a leading sociologist specializing in youth culture and online radicalization, to discuss Netflix’s new series, ‘Adolescence,’ and the pressing issues it raises.

The Core Concerns Explored in ‘Adolescence’

archyde News: Dr. Vance, ‘Adolescence’ delves into some difficult topics, especially the influence of social media on young people and the rise of incel culture.What are your initial thoughts on the series’ approach?

Dr.Eleanor vance: I think it’s commendable that ‘Adolescence’ is tackling these issues head-on. The series seems poised to spark a much-needed conversation about misogyny, online radicalization, and the responsibility we all share in safeguarding the well-being of the next generation. It’s crucial to acknowledge the pervasive influence of social media channels and the dangers of online echo chambers, especially for vulnerable youth.

Understanding incel Culture and Its Impact

Archyde News: The term “incel” is being used more frequently, but many still don’t fully understand it.Could you elaborate on what incel culture is and its potential dangers?

Dr. Eleanor Vance: “incel,” short for “involuntarily celibate,” describes individuals who feel unable to find a romantic partner.While the initial concept might seem benign, a radicalized subculture has emerged online.This subculture is often characterized by anti-feminist views, the belief that men are superior, and a sense of entitlement to women. Influencers who promote these ideologies exacerbate the problem, and it’s important to emphasize this link between social media content and real-world attitudes.

The Need for Open Dialog and Vulnerability

Archyde News: The actors in ‘Adolescence’ highlight the importance of open dialogue, particularly for young men to express thier emotions. Why is this so vital?

Dr. Eleanor Vance: Traditional masculinity often discourages boys and young men from expressing vulnerability. Creating spaces where they feel safe to discuss their feelings is incredibly important. When young men feel isolated or unable to communicate, they may be more susceptible to harmful online ideologies that offer a distorted sense of belonging.

Government Intervention and Social Media Regulation

Archyde News: The series also raises the question of government intervention in social media regulation. What are your thoughts on this?

Dr. Eleanor Vance: This is a complex issue. On one hand, unrestricted access to social media, particularly for young children, can be detrimental. On the other hand, wholly restricting access raises concerns regarding freedom of speech and access to information. It’s a conversation we need to be having as a society. Finding the right balance between protecting children and preserving their rights is paramount.Conversations surrounding legislation that restricts social media access is helpful, whether anything comes of it or not.

Beyond Celebrity Influencers: The broader threat

Archyde News: ‘Adolescence’ suggests the danger extends beyond figures like Andrew tate. What should parents and educators be aware of?

Dr. Eleanor Vance: Absolutely. While high-profile figures attract attention,the broader problem lies in the pervasive nature of harmful content online. There are countless online communities and platforms that promote misogynistic and harmful ideologies. Parents and educators must be proactive in educating young people about critical thinking and responsible online behavior.

The Government’s Role in Online Safety

Archyde News: The government has stated its commitment to online safety. Do you believe the measures being taken are sufficient?

Dr. Eleanor Vance: The government’s commitment is a positive step, and the Online Safety Act shows promise. However, enforcement and ongoing evaluation are crucial. Are the platforms truly taking steps to ensure age-appropriate experiences? Are the measures effectively targeting the most harmful material? We need continuous monitoring and adaptation to stay ahead of the ever-evolving online landscape.

A Final Thought: Will ‘Adolescence’ Make a Difference?

Archyde News: Dr. Vance, do you believe a series like ‘Adolescence’ can truly make a difference in addressing these complex issues?

Dr. Eleanor Vance: I believe it has the potential to raise awareness and spark conversations, both vital first steps. However, the impact will depend on how effectively the series is promoted, discussed, and followed up with concrete action. Will it translate into meaningful change in attitudes and behaviors? Time will tell. ‘Adolescence’ is premiering April 13,2025 on Netflix,hopefully it will spark some change. But what about you? What actions are you taking in protecting the youth in your life? Share your thoughts in the comment section.