Big Ideas The radicalisation of boys — Jess Hill, George Megalogenis, Thomas Mayo with Natasha Mitchell at Byron Writers Festival
Sep 3, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Jess Hill, an investigative journalist known for her work on gendered violence, George Megalogenis, a political and social commentator, and Thomas Mayo, an Indigenous rights activist, delve into the radicalization of boys through online misogynist subcultures like the 'manosphere'. They highlight parental anxieties and the confusion boys face today. The conversation emphasizes the need for empathy, community involvement, and redefining masculinity to combat gender violence and foster healthier relationships among youth.
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Radicalisation Feels Personal Now
- Radicalisation now feels closer because it targets 'our' boys, not foreign others.
- Social media algorithms scale and reinforce prejudices fast, creating bespoke echo chambers.
Manosphere Is An Ecosystem, Not A Forum
- The manosphere is an ecosystem of subcultures spread across platforms, not a single forum.
- Algorithms leak and amplify content into many users' feeds even if they don't seek it out.
From Red Pill To Violent Nihilism
- 'Red pill' frames men as oppressed and blames feminism for men's problems.
- When combined with 'blackpilled' nihilism it can normalise violence as a solution.
