Adolescence: how toxic online spaces are influencing men in the real world

At Porchlight, we work with people facing homelessness and complex mental health needs, and we’ve seen firsthand how young men can be drawn into dangerous ideologies and exploitative relationships. Adolescence focuses on how these toxic online spaces impact young people, but we see their influence extending into adulthood, particularly amongst men who have experienced deep social isolation, rejection and trauma.

A lot of men who become involved in these violent online communities have faced homelessness, mental ill health and loneliness. These challenges make them vulnerable to the same harmful ideologies that prey on and radicalise teenagers. Many of the men we work with have experienced family breakdowns, childhood trauma or long-term unemployment. Years of rejection make them easy targets for extremist groups, traffickers and online predators.

What is incel culture?

For those who feel abandoned by society, the internet can seem like a lifeline. But instead of finding support and healthy connections, many are drawn into spaces that fuel anger, resentment and extreme toxic beliefs.

Incel (involuntary celibate) culture is an online subcommunity of alienated young men that promotes extreme anti-women beliefs, toxic masculinity and the glorification of violence against women. Members see women as the enemy - some express anger and frustration, while others become radicalised, spreading dangerous ideologies linked to real-world violence, modern slavery and trafficking.

Porchlight’s Outreach Manager explains: “The internet, while offering connection, can also amplify toxic ideologies, reinforcing feelings of exclusion and entitlement. This story highlights the thin line between loneliness and extremism, showing how easily young people, especially boys, can be pulled into harmful beliefs through social media, gaming and online forums.”

Grooming in digital spaces

When we talk about grooming, we often think of child exploitation. But similar tactics are used by extremist groups, traffickers and criminal networks to target vulnerable adults.

The same forums, gaming spaces and social media platforms where young people seek companionship or understanding can become recruitment grounds for online predators. A young person who lacks stable housing, feels rejected by society or is struggling with their mental health is at greater risk of being manipulated. These platforms offer a space for them to vent their anger, but the extreme beliefs they are exposed to distort their reality, pulling them deeper into cycles of exploitation and radicalisation and further away from real, healthy human relationships.

What can we do to protect those most at risk?

Prevention is key. We need to raise awareness about the dangers of toxic online communities early on. Children and young people are increasingly exposed to harmful content that shapes how they view the world. Open, real-life conversations about what they encounter online are vital in helping them make informed choices. Young people need to know they are heard, valued and not alone in their struggles. They must have a healthy support network to turn to, as well as positive role models.

Parents, carers and teachers need to understand the risks posed by these dangerous online spaces and their influence in shaping the perspectives of adolescent men.

For professionals in the homelessness and mental health sectors, this means integrating digital literacy into our support work, helping young people recognise harmful content and ideologies and creating safe spaces where they can express their fears and frustrations.

Is there enough real-world support for young people?

The biggest question this series raises is: are we doing enough to support young people? Are we ensuring that those who feel lost are able to find safe, supportive, real-world communities instead of falling into dangerous online ones?

Media representation, like Adolescence, helps to raise awareness, pose important questions and spark much-needed conversations. But early education, open communication and real-life support networks are what truly steer vulnerable people away from these harmful corners of the internet.

If people feel valued in the real world, they won’t need to seek validation in toxic online spaces.

At Porchlight, we believe early intervention is crucial. Working within local communities, we identify vulnerabilities and offer a safety net of support. We’ve seen first hand how loneliness and trauma can leave people at risk of being lured into dangerous, exploitative groups. But by building trust and being there when it matters most, we help people leave behind toxic online spaces and take their first steps toward rebuilding their lives

Learn more about our work supporting victims of modern slavery and trafficking across Kent and Medway.