Merel Hilgenga

Awareness of the Manosphere

We live in a time where social media plays a major role in the lives of young people. Through algorithms, they come into contact with the manosphere, a collection of online communities in which masculinity and the position of men are central. The movement spreads harmful ideas about women, feminism, and gender equality, and reaches millions of young people worldwide via platforms such as TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram.

The consequences are visible in schools. Girls increasingly feel unsafe due to sexist remarks and a normalization of violence. But boys are also affected, by pressure to perform, a negative self-image, and strict gender norms about how a man is supposed to be. Behind the harsh tone of the manosphere often lies a deep sense of insecurity and a search for validation and recognition. 

This installation is designed to make high school students aware of the influence of the manosphere. Visitors follow a route determined by their algorithm.

The goal is not only to confront, but also to connect. At the end of the experience, students engage in conversation with one another. What have they experienced? What do they take away? The hope is that men and women can work together as a team again, without a divide being drawn where one is worth more than the other.

Do you feel unseen or unheard? Talk to those around you.