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Manosphere Reloaded

Role model or
sales trick:

Exaggerated online ideals of masculinity with real-world consequences

❗ Note: This page addresses problematic digital role models as well as algorithmic and technological amplification mechanisms.

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Digital Fake

In the left image, we see an AI-generated version of Charles: physically exaggerated, heavily muscular, with dominant body language and clear status symbols in the background. This portrayal follows common algorithmic patterns of what is considered “masculine” online: strength, control, and flawless performance.

The right image shows Charles Nguela as a real person: humorous, approachable, and grounded in his public work. Here, personality, context, and social connection matter — qualities often missing in digital image algorithms.

Stell Dir Vor

Im Fake-Bild sehen wir eine von Künstlicher Intelligenz erzeugte Version von Charles: körperlich überhöht, stark muskulös, mit dominanter Körpersprache und deutlichen Statussymbolen im Hintergrund. Diese Darstellung folgt gängigen algorithmischen Mustern dessen, was online als „männlich“ gilt: Stärke, Kontrolle und perfekte Performance.

Das original Bild zeigt Charles Nguela als reale Person: humorvoll, nahbar und in seinem öffentlichen Wirken verankert. Hier geht es um Persönlichkeit, Kontext und soziale Beziehung — Eigenschaften, die im digitalen Bildalgorithmus oft nicht vorkommen.

Die KI-Darstellung verzerrt Männlichkeit zu einem einseitigen Idealbild. Sie entsteht nicht aus der Realität eines Menschen, sondern aus statistischen Datentrends und visuellen Klischees, die online besonders oft geklickt, geliked und geteilt werden.

What does exaggerated online masculinity do to us?

Pressure

Constant self-optimization: Never enough, never “alpha” enough.

Comparison

Likes determine value and self-perception.

Isolation

Insecurities are hidden instead of shared.

Radicalization

Algorithms often amplify extreme worldviews without challenge.

Our goal:

Raise awareness

Question digital ideals instead of reinforcing them.

Inspire and empower

Open up new perspectives on masculinity.

Act instead of looking away

Encourage dialogue over pressure to be perfect.

Strengthen understanding

Support diverse, human identities.

#OnlyFacts

Nutzer können innerhalb weniger Minuten von harmlosen Selbstoptimierungs-Videos zu stark polarisierenden Manosphere-Inhalten weitergeleitet werden

(Source: Renfrew Center Foundation, 2017)

Every second girl says that idealised beauty content on social media lowers her self-esteem.

(Source: Dove Self-Esteem Project, 2022)

Filtered photos receive 45% more comments than unfiltered ones.

(Source: Yahoo! Labs & Georgia Tech, 2021)

AI beauty filters often change entire facial proportions, not just skin or light.wichtigsten Informationsquellen zu Identität, Beziehungen und Rollenbildern.

(Source: Isakovich, 2022)

#ClickWithCare

What you can do NOW
If this content feels overwhelming:

- Don’t compare yourself to over-staged ideals.
- Talk to someone you trust about pressure and insecurities.
- Follow accounts that show diverse masculinities.
- Report or block content that spreads hate or shaming.

To prevent negative effects:

- Diversify your feed: don’t focus only on fitness, status, or success.
- Watch your “For You” page: it reflects what you click.
- Consume critically: who benefits when you feel bad?
- Ask yourself: is this a role model or just a sales tactic?

If you need support:

- Reach out to mental health or digital safety services.
- Talk with friends, mentors, or peer communities: you are not alone.

Gemeinsam für echte Vielfalt

Männlichkeit kann viel sein: lustig, sensibel, stark, chaotisch, emotional, kreativ, still, laut und vor allem menschlich.

Dieses Bildpaar lädt ein: Infrage stellen, ins Gespräch kommen und die Perspektiven wechseln.

“What if perfection becomes the norm and no one is allowed to be real anymore?”
Welcome to WHAT THE FAKE – discover more image pairs, facts, and tips.