Adolescence: A Haunting Reflection on Toxic Masculinity and Modern Parenting

I recently watched Adolescence, and I can't stop thinking about it. The show struck a nerve—its raw and unflinching portrayal of toxic masculinity, the insidious influence of the manosphere, and the overwhelming impact of social media felt almost too real. It’s a story that doesn’t just stay on the screen but digs into the uncomfortable truths of our world today.

What made Adolescence so compelling wasn’t just its beautiful cinematography or the stellar performances—it was the way it captured the heartbreak and helplessness of parents who are genuinely trying their best in a world that doesn’t seem to support them. It’s a sobering reminder that being a parent today means navigating a landscape littered with harmful ideologies and endless online rabbit holes that threaten to swallow young minds whole.

Although I’ve chosen not to have children myself, I have so much love and empathy for those who do. I can’t imagine the weight of trying to raise good, kind humans while constantly worrying about the messages they’re absorbing from social media and the internet. Seeing the way parents in the show struggled to protect their son while feeling completely lost made me reflect on how much pressure families face today.

The show also hit close to home because a few years ago, I fell down the manosphere rabbit hole myself. I would watch podcasts like Fresh and Fit and similar content, drawn in by the confident, almost authoritative tone they projected. I didn’t realize at the time how damaging some of those ideas were—not just to women, but to men too. Looking back, I can see how easily those ideas take root, especially when you’re searching for guidance or validation. It made me think about how vulnerable young minds must be to that kind of influence.

Adolescence holds up a mirror to that reality, portraying the slow, subtle shift in the main character as he’s pulled into toxic online communities. It’s not sudden or dramatic—it’s gradual, almost imperceptible, like slipping underwater without realizing you’re drowning. The parents’ desperation to understand what’s happening to their child is palpable and painfully real.

Watching Adolescence made me think about how crucial it is to teach young people how to build confidence that isn’t rooted in external validation or toxic ideals. As someone who’s passionate about helping others find their path, I know how difficult it can be to drown out those harmful messages and develop a strong sense of self-worth.

I’m thinking about adding confidence coaching to my services because I believe real confidence comes from within—from knowing your values, setting boundaries, and being resilient against negative influences. It’s not about dominating others or projecting a false sense of strength. It’s about being secure in who you are and choosing your own path, even when the world tries to push you in another direction.

If this resonates with you or if you’ve struggled with confidence yourself, I’d love to chat about it. Let me know your thoughts on the show and how it impacted you—or reach out if you’re interested in exploring how to build lasting confidence together.