Andrew Tate blamed for online Incel issue in new Netflix series ‘adolescence’ but is the problem deeper?

Netflix’s latest psychological drama, Adolescence, doesn’t just tell a gripping story—it holds up a mirror to a troubling reality. The series unfolds after a horrifying incident at a suburban high school, where a teenage boy murders a classmate, a young girl who had rejected him.

As the investigation unfolds, detectives stumble upon a disturbing digital trail—an obsession with incel (involuntary celibate) ideology, fueled by online content that glorifies male entitlement and resentment toward women.

Among the influencers feeding this narrative is Andrew Tate, a controversial figure whose bold takes on masculinity, relationships, and gender dynamics have struck a chord with disillusioned young men. But while Adolescence points to Tate’s influence, the show suggests that the roots of the problem go far deeper than one man’s words.

The Crime That Shattered a Community

At the heart of Adolescence is a tragedy that leaves a community reeling. A teenage boy, feeling invisible and rejected, commits a terrible act of violence. As detectives piece together the events that led to the murder, they uncover a virtual world filled with misogynistic forums, YouTube videos, and social media echo chambers that validate feelings of male frustration and powerlessness. Among this content, Andrew Tate’s rhetoric stands out—his claims that men are owed submission and respect from women seem to offer the boy a twisted sense of validation.

Initially, the police and school administrators are quick to point fingers at Tate’s influence. But as the investigation deepens, it becomes clear that placing the blame on one individual doesn’t tell the full story.

Andrew Tate: A Symbol or a Scapegoat?

Andrew Tate, a former kickboxing champion turned internet personality, has built an empire by promoting a hyper-masculine lifestyle. His content, which often portrays women as subordinate and encourages men to assert dominance, has been criticized for perpetuating harmful ideas. Yet, his message resonates with young men who feel left behind, offering them a sense of power in a world where they feel powerless.

Adolescence doesn’t shy away from highlighting Tate’s influence, but it also invites viewers to look deeper. The show asks an uncomfortable question: Is Tate merely a symbol of a larger issue—a reflection of the alienation and frustration many young men feel in today’s society?

A Father’s Regret and a Silent Crisis

One of the most heartbreaking elements of Adolescence is the story of the boy’s father, who is left grappling with overwhelming guilt. He wonders where he went wrong, questioning whether his emotional distance and inability to nurture his son’s sense of self-worth contributed to this tragedy. His quiet regret serves as a powerful reminder that the root of the problem isn’t just online content—it’s the absence of emotional guidance and positive male role models.

The boy’s descent into incel ideology wasn’t simply the result of watching inflammatory videos. It was a symptom of a deeper crisis, one where young men feel disconnected, unseen, and powerless. Left to navigate their emotions alone, they often find solace in dangerous online communities that offer easy answers to complex feelings of inadequacy and rejection.

Is the Incel Problem Bigger Than Influencers?

Adolescence doesn’t just explore the dangers of online radicalization—it forces us to confront a difficult reality. The show suggests that the rise of incel ideology isn’t just about exposure to harmful content.

It’s about a generation of young men who feel adrift, struggling to meet societal expectations of success, strength, and romantic validation. When these young men don’t find the support or guidance they need from family, school, or society, they seek it elsewhere—often in the darkest corners of the internet.

The incel crisis isn’t born solely from influencers like Andrew Tate. It’s rooted in a deeper cultural and emotional void that leaves young men feeling isolated and unheard.