When Netflix's Adolescence mini-series debuted last month, it quickly gained popularity worldwide, including in India. The show delves into how young boys fall into the manosphere, a space promoting toxic masculinity and misogyny, often amplified by figures like Andrew Tate. The plot revolves around a 13-year-old accused of murder, raising questions about upbringing, peer influence, and teen struggles in the social media age.

In India, however, teens are already steeped in patriarchal values before encountering such influencers. Prof. Simantini Ghosh explains that in India, toxic masculinity is reinforced from an early age, especially in conservative households. Social media amplifies this, creating pressures around appearance, success, and relationships, leading to anxiety and self-esteem issues.

Radicalization isn't limited to politics; it can manifest as misogyny, caste bias, or extremism, often fed through algorithm-driven content. Incidents like the 2020 Bois Locker Room scandal highlight the disturbing reality of how socialization and digital exposure shape young minds. In this context, a series like Adolescence could look quite different in India, given the added cultural and societal pressures.