The ‘Manosphere’ Isn’t a Movement. It’s a Multibillion-Dollar Grievance Industry
Many young men are driven to resentment and are financially exploited as influencers sell them classes, pills, and the illusion of clout, a new report reveals.
The phenomenon of younger men becoming politically extreme, misogynistic, and susceptible to risky online schemes is often attributed to their involvement in the "manosphere," a right-wing online community. However, a new study challenges this notion, suggesting that the manosphere is not a movement but rather a multibillion-dollar industry built on exploiting vulnerable men.
The study, conducted by Reset Tech and Equimundo, reveals that men are directed through algorithmically curated platforms to paid communities, unregulated supplements, cryptocurrency schemes, and high-ticket "coaching" programs. These components collectively form a business model that generates significant revenue. The report estimates Andrew Tate, a prominent figure in the manosphere, earns $184 million annually from his subscription-based platform, "Real World."
The authors argue that the manosphere exploits men's economic anxieties and converts them into resentment against perceived oppressors, such as women and immigrants. Once men feel a sense of victimhood and hostility toward a shared enemy, they are then sold dubious solutions, such as memberships, courses, or pills.
The study also highlights the extravagant earnings of top-tier streamers and content creators in the manosphere. For instance, streamer Adin Ross reportedly makes between $30,000 and $50,000 per hour in streaming revenue. Influencers like Joe Rogan command speaking fees upwards of $200,000. The study estimates that creators in the manosphere can earn anywhere from $1 million to $10 million annually through various income streams.
The report emphasizes the need for consumers to seek accurate information and warns of the deceptive practices within the industry. It calls for platforms to enforce stricter guidelines against promoting harmful content that reinforces negative body image and unhealthy behaviors among men. Overall, the study exposes the grift economy that preys on young men's vulnerabilities for financial gain.
Written by urgent.news from Wired's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
