Netflix’s latest drama, Adolescence, has gripped audiences and critics alike with its unflinching portrayal of a family’s turmoil following the arrest of their 13-year-old son for the murder of his classmate. The four-part series, released on 13 March 2025, delves into issues of toxic masculinity, the influence of social media, and the vulnerabilities of adolescence.

Plot (spoilers)

The story starts with a dawn raid on the Miller household, where Jamie is apprehended on suspicion of murder. The ensuing episodes unfold in real-time, each filmed in a single continuous tracking shot, as the investigation progresses, layers of Jamie’s life are peeled back, revealing a young boy grappling with societal pressures, online radicalisation, and a desperate need for acceptance.

Through Jamie’s internet activity, it becomes clear that he has been heavily influenced by incel (involuntary celibate) forums and ‘red-pill’ ideology, which portrays women as deceitful and men as victims of a rigged dating market. As Jamie’s parents and the audience piece together his descent into this world, Adolescence offers a chilling insight into how ordinary boys can be radicalised online.

Critical acclaim

Adolescence has been widely praised for its gripping storytelling, innovative cinematography, and hard-hitting themes. The Times calls it as “a storytelling masterclass,” highlighting its immersive, real-time format. The Guardian says it’s “the closest thing to TV perfection in decades,” emphasising the powerful performances and devastating narrative.

Jeremy Clarkson even weighed in:

“Just finished Adolescence on Netflix. An absolute tour de force. The continuous shot is nothing short of cinematic brilliance.”

Beyond the cinematography, the show’s depiction of online radicalisation and toxic masculinity has sparked widespread debate.

“This series highlights the huge problem of disaffected young men, many of whom feel lost in a world that seems to be leaving them behind. It’s a stark reminder of how radical online spaces can offer them a dangerous sense of belonging.”

The Guardian

Incel culture, red-pill ideology, and the 80:20 rule

A core theme in Adolescence is the radicalisation of young boys through online communities that promote misogyny, resentment, and extremist ideologies. To fully grasp the dangers depicted in the series, it’s important to understand key concepts within the incel subculture – ‘red-pilling’, and the so-called ’80:20 rule’.

Incel culture

The term incel (short for “involuntary celibate”) was originally coined in the 1990s by a woman seeking to create a support group for people struggling with romantic relationships. However, in the 2010s, it was co-opted by a growing online movement of young men who blame women for their lack of sexual and romantic success.

Many incels believe they are genetically doomed to be unattractive to women and resent what they see as an unfair social hierarchy in dating. Online incel forums often promote bitterness, misogyny, and, in extreme cases, violence against women. Some incels idolise figures like Elliot Rodger, who carried out a mass shooting in 2014 after posting a manifesto blaming women for rejecting him.

The ‘red-pill’

The term ‘red-pill’ originates from The Matrix, where ‘taking the red pill’ means seeing the hidden truth of reality. In online manosphere communities (which include incels, men’s rights activists, and PUAs -pick-up artists), being ‘red-pilled’ means rejecting mainstream narratives about gender equality and embracing the belief that men are oppressed by feminism.

Red-pill ideology teaches that:

• Feminism has made it impossible for ordinary men to succeed in relationships.

• Men must “wake up” to the supposed reality that women only desire wealth, power, and dominance.

These ideas are spread to fuel resentment among young men, making them susceptible to radicalisation. Adolescence demonstrates powerfully how impressionable boys like Jamie can fall into these belief systems after engaging with content from figures like Andrew Tate, Jordan Peterson, and other controversial online personalities.

80:20

A commonly cited concept in red-pill communities is the ’80:20 rule’, derived from the Pareto principle. According to this belief, 80% of women are only interested in the top 20% of men in terms of looks, wealth, and status. This creates a perception that average men have no chance in the dating market, leading to feelings of rejection and resentment.

While there’s no strong evidence to support this theory, the idea fuels anger in young men who feel they are being unfairly excluded from romantic relationships. In Adolescence, Jamie internalises these beliefs, seeing himself as a victim of an unjust system – ultimately leading to disastrous consequences.

Actionable tactics for parents

Adolescence serves as an important warning about the dangers lurking in online spaces. Parents and teachers need to be proactive in guiding young boys away from toxic ideologies. I suggest some key tactics:

1. keep an open dialogue – Encourage regular conversations about online activities. Young people should feel comfortable discussing their digital interactions without fear of punishment or shame.

2. prioritise good digital literacy – Reinforce critical thinking skills so young people can recognise manipulative online content. Help them understand how algorithms push extreme content (there’s a chapter dedicated to this in my book for teens).

3. educate yourself – Read widely about the key online influencers in this area and the messages being spread, so you know what you are up against.

4. highlight positive role models – Introduce boys to figures who promote healthy masculinity – men who demonstrate emotional intelligence, respect, and resilience. Sporting heroes are often good figures to start with.

5. use monitoring and set boundaries – While respecting privacy, stay informed about the platforms and influencers your child engages with. Consider using parental controls on devices.

6. provide mental health support – Watch for signs of social withdrawal, frustration, or aggression. Ensure boys have access to supportive conversations and counselling if needed.

7. promote real-world connections – Encourage participation in hobbies, sports, or community groups where boys can build self-esteem in healthy, offline environments. Again, sport is a good place to focus if you can.

Adolescence is much more than just a drama – it’s a wake-up call about the challenges facing young boys in the digital age. The show exposes how online radicalisation can warp a child’s worldview, leading to tragic consequences.

By educating yourself about incel culture, red-pill ideology, and the myths surrounding gender dynamics, parents and teachers can take proactive steps to support boys in developing a healthier, more balanced perspective on relationships and masculinity. The conversations sparked by Adolescence should not end when the credits roll.

More resources on digital wellbeing for young people