With the rise of the Internet and consumption of media something else has ramped up along with it: the red pill. So called red pill content is a reference to “The Matrix” (1999) where the protagonist takes a red pill to reveal the truths of his world. However, the people- usually male- consuming and creating this content have taken the idea of waking up in a different direction.

In a corner of the Internet, frequented by incels (a man who feels that they cannot attract women sexually) thrive. Incels often blame the problems of the world on women. Some are now using the Internet as a place to share their perspective manifestos.

These manifestos often believe that feminism (the advocacy for women’s rights on the basis of equality of the sexes) puts men at a disadvantage and promotes the hatred of their sex. In other words, they are taking the fight for equality and flipping it so that men are the victim when historically and sociologically that is not the case.

The truth is that in America women on average make 83 cents for every dollar a man makes, 82% of women experience some sort of sexual harassment or assault, 38% of women experience sexual harassment in the workplace, and much more.

These red pill groups often encourage violence towards women both online and in the manifestos. There are numerous extremists that have committed acts of terror against women. Many of them are inspired by Elliot Rodger who killed six people in a murder spree after which he committed suicide. He had posted a YouTube video prior to the event and sent out a 141 page manifesto describing his hatred toward women and frustration over his virginity. He would then inspire Alek Minassian who intentionally drove a van into a crowd of pedestrians killing ten people.

What makes incels even scarier is that their ideals are part of a bigger group called the ‘manosphere’. It includes other men’s extremist groups like pick up artists, Men Going Their Own Way (a group that promotes anti-feminist, misogynistic and male separatist ideals), and Men’s Rights activists.

These groups have taken to social media, attracting many young boys through their guru-style content and their advice on manhood. One of the most prevalent manosphere personalities is Andrew Tate, who has been arrested for rape, organized crime and human trafficking. Others include hosts of the “Fresh and Fit” podcast Myron Gains (author of ‘Why Women Deserve Less’) and Walter Weekes (lifestyle and dating coach). Their show has earned numerous bans from YouTube, TikTok and other platforms for hate speech and promoting hate.

There are ways to protect yourself or your children online: monitoring what teens are watching, decreasing time on social media and blocking content that spreads hateful misinformation. In doing so, this will help to stop the cycle of violence, fear, and power that is perpetuated by these groups.