When the Manosphere Hits Home: Understanding the Ripple Effects on Relationships and Mental Wellbeing

Date: Monday 21 Apr 2025

The article “‘There were no warning signs’: what happens when your partner falls into the ‘manosphere’?” by Maya Oppenheim sheds light on a growing and deeply concerning issue: the impact of the manosphere on relationships and families. For men navigating the complexities of modern masculinity, this piece serves as a wake-up call to the dangers of falling into online echo chambers that perpetuate misogyny, extremism, and divisive ideologies.

At Brothers in Arms, we’re committed to supporting men in their mental and emotional wellbeing, helping them become the best versions of themselves. This article highlights why that mission is more critical than ever. The manosphere, a loosely connected network of online communities, often preys on men’s vulnerabilities, offering a false sense of belonging and clarity in a world that feels increasingly complex. But as the stories in the article reveal, the cost of this “belonging” can be devastating—not just for the men involved but for their partners, families, and communities.

The Allure of the Manosphere: A False Solution to Real Struggles

For many men, the manosphere offers an appealing narrative. It promises answers to feelings of disenfranchisement, loneliness, or confusion about their role in a rapidly changing world. As the article notes, these spaces often frame feminism and gender equity as threats, creating a zero-sum game where men’s empowerment is seen as incompatible with women’s rights. This divisive rhetoric can feel validating for men who are struggling, but it ultimately isolates them further, fostering bitterness, anger, and a narrow view of masculinity.

The pandemic, as highlighted in the article, exacerbated this issue. With more time spent online, many men found themselves drawn into these communities under the guise of self-help or mental health support. However, instead of addressing the root causes of their struggles, these spaces often redirect their frustrations outward, blaming women, feminism, or society at large. This not only perpetuates cycles of negativity but also has real-world consequences for their relationships and mental health.

The Hidden Victims: Partners and Families

One of the most striking aspects of the article is its focus on the often-overlooked impact of the manosphere on the partners and families of those who become radicalised. Women like Samantha, Rachel, and Debbie share harrowing accounts of how their relationships were upended by their partners’ descent into misogynistic and extremist ideologies. These stories underscore a critical point: the manosphere doesn’t just harm the men it ensnares; it creates a ripple effect that can destabilise entire families.

For partners, the shift can feel sudden and bewildering. As Samantha’s story illustrates, there may be no warning signs until it’s too late. This highlights the importance of early intervention and open communication. At Brothers in Arms, we believe that fostering emotional intelligence and self-awareness is key to preventing these kinds of radical shifts. By helping men articulate their feelings and address their struggles in a healthy, constructive way, we can disrupt the pipeline to harmful ideologies.

A Call to Action: Supporting Men and Their Loved Ones

The article raises an important question: who is supporting the partners and families affected by the manosphere? While much attention is rightly focused on the men being radicalised, we must also consider the collateral damage. Partners, children, and loved ones often bear the brunt of the fallout, facing emotional, psychological, and sometimes physical harm.

At Brothers in Arms, we’re committed to addressing this issue on multiple fronts. Our flagship platform, Blethr, offers a safe, stigma-free space for men to explore their emotions and seek support. By providing tools and resources tailored to men’s unique needs, we aim to create a healthier alternative to the toxic narratives of the manosphere. Blethr channels can help men unpack their feelings of frustration or confusion, guiding them toward personal growth rather than blame or bitterness.

For those who may be struggling to articulate their feelings or recognise the impact of their actions, prompts like these can be a starting point:

- “I’ve been feeling frustrated and disconnected lately. Can we talk about what’s been on my mind?”

- “I’ve noticed I’ve been spending a lot of time online, and I’m not sure it’s helping me. How can I refocus on what really matters?”

- “I want to understand how my actions or beliefs might be affecting the people I care about. Can we have an honest conversation about it?”

These conversations aren’t easy, but they’re essential. And for partners or loved ones who are concerned about someone falling into the manosphere, resources like Blethr can provide guidance on how to approach these difficult topics with empathy and understanding.

Moving Forward: Building a Better Narrative

The manosphere thrives on grievance-based narratives that pit men against women, fostering division and isolation. At Brothers in Arms, we believe in a different story—one where men can embrace their vulnerabilities, seek support, and grow into their full potential without resorting to blame or bitterness. By challenging the pseudoscientific claims and divisive rhetoric of the manosphere, we can create a healthier, more inclusive vision of masculinity.

If you or someone you know is struggling with the issues raised in this article, I encourage you to explore the resources available through Brothers in Arms and Blethr. Together, we can break the cycle of negativity and build a future where men and their loved ones can thrive.

You can read Maya Oppenheim's full article here: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/apr/19/there-were-no-warning-signs-what-happens-when-your-partner-falls-into-the-manosphere

Want to learn more about the 'Manosphere'? Have a conversation with BraveheartGPT below, who can give you more info on male mental wellbeing.