Modern Wisdom #975 - James Bloodworth - The Manosphere, Pickup Culture & Male Loneliness
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Aug 2, 2025 
James Bloodworth, a journalist and author of 'Lost Boys', dives deep into the complexities of the manosphere and modern masculinity. He reveals how the term is often misunderstood, unpacking the true nature of male loneliness and dating culture. The rise of gym culture as a refuge for disempowered men is explored, along with the influence of online fitness personalities. Bloodworth also calls for a more inclusive progressive politics that addresses men’s issues, breaking down societal pressures and the evolving landscape of male identity.
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Manosphere Term Dilution
- The term 'manosphere' has become overly broad and often meaningless in media contexts.
- It originally referred to anti-feminist, male supremacist communities but now includes many unrelated male interests.
Manosphere's Evolutionary Shift
- The manosphere evolved from pickup artists focused on attracting women to the political and resentful red pill and incel communities.
- Today's manosphere is more about impressing men and asserting dominance than appealing to women.
Masculinity for Male Competition
- Modern manosphere's hyper-masculinity often serves to impress other men more than women.
- Social media visual scrutiny intensifies men's status competition through looks and image.
