#924 - William Costello - What Netflix’s “Adolescence” Got Wrong
Apr 5, 2025
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William Costello, a psychology researcher focusing on evolutionary psychology, discusses the recent Netflix miniseries 'Adolescence' and its misrepresentation of youth and incel culture. He critiques the dangers of glorifying violence, examines the societal implications of media portrayals, and addresses the disconnect between adults and young people. Costello delves into the incel community's responses, the challenges surrounding masculinity today, and the mental health implications related to incel ideologies. The conversation encourages a nuanced dialogue on these pressing issues.
Netflix's 'Adolescence' faces criticism for exaggerating the portrayal of youth violence, diverting focus from real issues like knife crime.
The show attempts to address male insecurities but ultimately lacks a nuanced discussion on masculinity and mental health pressures.
Sensationalizing youth violence in media can create moral panic, distracting from meaningful dialogue on mental health and social solutions.
Parliament's engagement with the show's themes raises concerns about basing policies on fictional narratives instead of factual research and data.
Deep dives
Impact of Adolescence on Society
The Netflix show 'Adolescence' is capturing public attention and has sparked discussions within Parliament regarding its portrayal of youth issues. Critics argue that the show's depiction of violence related to the manosphere is exaggerated and does not accurately represent the reality of youth violence, specifically knife crime, which is a significant concern in the UK. While the series attempts to depict complexities surrounding male insecurity and relationship pressures, it has raised questions about its influence on the formation of public policy. The show's immediate impact, including its funding to be shown in schools, calls for a critical examination of its artistic liberties against actual social issues.
Realism and Artistic License
Despite the show's intention to highlight relevant social issues, it presents a narrative that lacks grounding in real events, causing concerns among critics regarding its accuracy. The portrayal of a seemingly average young boy committing violence is framed through a lens of fictional intrigue, diverting attention from actual occurrences of youth violence in the UK. The narrative fails to reflect the reality of young men who often face their challenges without resorting to violence, leading to debates over the artistic freedom exercised by the creators versus the potential social ramifications of its message. Critics argue that while creative license allows for imaginative storytelling, it should not come at the cost of distorting pressing societal issues.
Discussion on Masculinity
The character Jamie is depicted as struggling with insecurities around masculinity, resonating with many young males who may feel pressured to appear sexually successful. The script challenges traditional masculinity by incorporating themes of bullying and online harassment, highlighting peer dynamics that weigh heavily on young boys. However, the narrative raises questions about the adequacy of its representation of masculinity issues, as it skirts around deeper discussions of male mental health or the social pressures contributing to violent behavior. Without a nuanced exploration, the show may inadvertently reinforce stereotypes instead of providing a comprehensive understanding of modern masculinity.
Media and Violence Perceptions
Both the show and its reception reflect broader societal fears regarding youth violence and the perceived link to online content from the manosphere. Critics argue that sensationalizing violence among young men can lead to moral panic, which distracts from collaborative efforts to address real issues in mental health and social education. The portrayal of incels within the show raises concerns about creating a captivating narrative at the expense of understanding the complexities surrounding violence, particularly among marginalized young men. Engaging with the media's influence on public perception of these issues highlights the need for factual discussions rather than dramatized portrayals.
Consequences of Depicting Violent Narratives
The show has sparked discussions on how broadcasting violent stories can influence young viewers and potentially normalize aggressive behavior. There is concern that showcasing incidents of violence for entertainment without clear context or responsible messaging might lead to unintended consequences or even inspire copycat actions. Critics emphasize the need for responsible media representation, especially when sensitive topics such as youth violence and mental health are involved. An emphasis on education through dialogue and accurate portrayals may help mitigate the risks of glorifying violence in any narrative.
Policy Implications and Artistic Representation
As Parliament engages with the show's themes to inform potential educational policies, the reliance on fictional narratives for serious discussions comes under scrutiny. Critics argue that policies should be based on research and factual data rather than emotional responses to dramatic portrayals. This reliance on fiction could potentially undermine serious discussions about youth violence strategies and effective educational interventions. There is a call for leveraging credible research and constructive feedback to inform policy that genuinely addresses the issues affecting young people today.
Understanding Incel Culture and Mental Health
The depiction of the incel community in 'Adolescence' opens up a broader conversation about young men's mental health struggles and societal perceptions of loneliness. Analysis reveals that many members of this community grapple with depression or suicidal thoughts, which are often exacerbated by societal rejection and stigmatization. While the show touches on the complexities of these issues, critics suggest it misses significant opportunities to explore the mental health dimensions comprehensively. By neglecting to address the roots of incel identity and its implications on mental health, the show may fail to resonate meaningfully with the struggles many young men face.
William Costello is a psychology researcher and Ph.D. student specialising in evolutionary psychology.
With the recent release of “Adolescence” on Netflix, it has stirred up quite a bit of controversy. But what are the real dangers of incel-related violence, and how can we begin to confront them?
Expect to learn what Netflix’s “Adolescence” got wrong in their adaptation, if incels are a bigger danger to themselves or others, why there is not more incel violence, what The Low Mate Value Theory of Misogyny is, what the reaction to “Adolescence” has been from various factions of the internet, if fear, shame, and shock actually can change behaviour, and much more…
