James Blake: Filmmaker Says ‘the Manosphere’ Is Making Money by Exploiting Vulnerable Men

Documentary Unveils Dark Side of Online Communities

Award-winning filmmaker James Blake has delved into the world of online communities known as “the manosphere,” revealing how these platforms can exploit vulnerable young men. In his recent documentary, For Men of the Manosphere, Blake followed three young men, including a 16-year-old, who were influenced by strict rules set by influencers, leading to feelings of isolation and exploitation.

The Exploitation of Vulnerable Men

Blake’s documentary highlights how these communities often present themselves as brotherhoods focused on success and personal development. However, behind this facade lies a more sinister reality. Young men are subjected to shaming, isolation, and misogyny. The filmmaker emphasizes that while the interest in extreme views like those of Andrew Tate has waned, other influencers have stepped into the vacuum.

“Essentially these communities place themselves as something that’s all about brotherhood and being part of a community which on the face of it sounds really good,” says Blake. “They say, ‘we will show you how to be successful, how to be better, we will teach you skills.’ But it very slowly becomes ‘now you’re in, you don’t need the outside world,’ and it’s them against us, and that’s a really unhealthy place to be.”

The Red Pill Belief System

Blake was particularly disturbed by the “red pill” beliefs promoted online. These beliefs suggest men are oppressed in a world dominated by feminism and that women should be mistrusted. Blake shares his findings: “You start to see the red pill stuff, about men believing they’re disadvantaged, the world favours women, and the only people you’re talking to all share that exact same opinion, which means there is no room for discourse.” He further explains, “It’s crazy because it’s like you can’t be successful unless you follow this blueprint, which means you also need to dislike women, you need to mistrust women and you need to think that all women are out to get you. That’s obviously not the real world we live in but these guys are really believing that and it’s such a sad pessimistic outlook on dating, on relationships, on life.”

Economic Exploitation

Blake also discovered that online influencers generate profits by exploiting men’s insecurities to sign them up for lucrative self-improvement courses. He spoke to 16-year-old Sam, one of over two million men who follow UK influencer Hamza Ahmed and his Library of Adonis. Blake notes, “I can’t say for sure what these influencers are thinking, do they go to this market to do this on purpose, but I’m sure they are making a lot of money off the back of this.”

Impact on Mental Health

The documentary underscores the negative impact of online communities on men’s mental health. Blake stresses that shaming and isolation can lead to loneliness and even suicidal tendencies. He adds, “The longer they’re in it the harder it is to get out,” referring to young men who embrace these ideologies.

Call for Positive Role Models

James Blake concludes with a strong call for positive male role models. With a crisis in men’s mental health and a high suicide rate, he argues that society needs more supportive figures. He says, “But when you say name me a couple of influencers who are toxic masculine role models there are so many,” highlighting the need for positive male leaders to counteract harmful influences.

The documentary For Men of the Manosphere is set to air on BBC Three and BBC One, bringing these issues to a wider audience.

As Blake reflects, “It sets up a very scary future for them because the longer they’re in it the harder it is to get out,” emphasizing the urgent need for intervention and support.

Note: The documentary For Men of the Manosphere will be available on BBC Three on Monday November 17, and on BBC One on November 19. It will also be accessible via the BBC iPlayer.