The Crime Agents The manosphere: how dangerous are these toxic influencers?
Mar 18, 2026
Victoria Baines, cybersecurity and online safety expert and former law enforcement pro, unpacks the rise and mechanics of the manosphere. She explains how forums and algorithms radicalise vulnerable young men. They explore influencer monetisation, scams, and when misogynistic rhetoric crosses into criminal conduct. The conversation also looks at tech moderation, regulatory gaps, and debates over criminalising misogyny.
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Children Are Increasingly Radicalised Online
- Counterterrorism saw a rise in children radicalised online, including 13- to 15-year-olds plotting attacks.
- Neil Basu recounts early cases demonstrating adolescents can inspire international plots from bedrooms via online networks.
Algorithms Drive People Down Radical Rabbit Holes
- Algorithms push users deeper into extremes by repeatedly recommending similar content.
- Neil Basu and Andy Hughes describe research and cases where seeking dark content quickly leads to far-right or violent material regardless of initial intent.
Luton Killer's Descent Into Online Obsession
- Nicholas Prosper became obsessed with videos of mass shootings and violent games before murdering family members.
- Andy Hughes visited the Luton scene and found neighbours saying he became almost entirely online in the year before the attack.