Science & Tech · Big Tech & Internet · 23 hrs ago
Teen boys say social media feeds show them manosphere content without searches
Teenage boys in Australia say social media feeds show them misogynistic videos linked to the manosphere, even when they have not searched for the content.
The manosphere is a loose category of online content that often opposes feminism and portrays men as victims.
Platforms use factors such as a user’s age, gender and past activity to recommend videos.
One teenager said the videos can keep appearing after he watches one, while a digital media researcher said viewing by some young men can signal that the content may interest others in that group.
The videos can attract shares, comments and arguments, which may help them spread.
Platforms have tools to filter or limit harmful content, but the boys say this material still reaches their feeds.
Teenage boys say social media feeds show them manosphere content even when they have not searched for or engaged with it.
Eighteen-year-old Zac Roebig said the videos appear in a feed that mostly reflects his interest in music.
Seventeen-year-old twins William and Connor Faulds also said they had not searched for the content.
A researcher said recommendations to other young men can be driven by signals from users who watch the videos.
Platforms offer tools to filter content, but misogynistic material continues to appear in users’ feeds.
- Who
- Teenage boys, including Zac Roebig and twins William and Connor Faulds, say they see the content. Researchers Dan Angus and Chang Liu are also discussed.
- What
- Boys say social media feeds recommend manosphere content without them searching for it.
- When
- The article was published on October 11, 2026.
- Where
- On social media feeds. The boys’ location is not stated.
- Why
- The article says algorithms use factors including age, sex, prior searches and engagement; watching content can signal that it may appeal to other young men.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Article publication
- October 11, 2026
- Zac Roebig
- 18 years old
- William and Connor Faulds
- 17-year-old twins
- Research centre
- QUT's Digital Media Research Centre
- Research project
- BootStrap project is studying predictors of problematic internet use among 2,500 adolescents
What people are saying
I know it's been put there to keep me on there, make me angry, make me interact with it.
Even though I haven't searched it, it just comes up … and after that, if I watch the full video, it just comes up again and again.
Once you get enough of these young men watching this content, then that gives signals to these systems that it may do well in front of the rest of that audience.
Sources
Related news
Apple reportedly plans HomeView smart home hub for November
Musk’s Lego order details were used in attempts to alter his purchase
Google updates Chromecast with Google TV 4K for the first time in 2026
Apple confirms October 13 launch focused on smart home products
Apple may add Siri microphones and a speaker-equipped remote to Apple TV 4K
SPMVV and NIELIT Tirupati partner on digital learning and job skills
Apple Plans Los Angeles Showcase for New Macs and iPad Mini
Google and Apple offer different ways to manage accounts after death
Apple expected to unveil HomeView smart home hub on Tuesday
Apple classifies the 2017 Apple TV 4K as vintage
Google adds Samsung phone support to Googlebook’s Better Together features
