The Dark Side Of Adolescence

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I consider myself a fairly well-informed person, even though I no longer access social media. I read the news, I keep up with books, and I like to think I understand the world around me. But watching Adolescence on Netflix felt like being hit by a tidal wave of something I had never truly grasped before. While the whole world is talking about the brilliance of this show, with each episode being shot in a single take, it exposed me to a word I had never encountered: 'incel.' I had no idea about this subculture of young men who blame women for their loneliness and frustrations. To such an extent where they create groups and have meet-ups to discuss and trash women. Apparently, this culture is catching up in India as well. There was an article in last Sunday's paper about this. As I watched Jamie, the protagonist, slip deeper into this world, I felt a growing sense of horror. How could such a community exist? How could something so dangerous and hateful be shaping young minds?

The series delves into the dark corridors of teenage angst, online radicalization, and the pervasive misogyny that lurks in digital spaces. Its raw portrayal of these issues left me both disturbed and contemplative about the world our youth are navigating. The show centers on 13-year-old Jamie Miller, portrayed brilliantly by Owen Cooper, who is arrested for the murder of his classmate, Katie. As the narrative unfolds, it becomes evident how Jamie's immersion in toxic online communities influenced his actions. The series doesn't shy away from depicting the harsh realities of the internet's underbelly, where young minds are often exposed to harmful ideologies. As I'm typing this, I can think of a dozen other minors who have Instagram accounts and post questionable content. I know of many parents who create social media accounts for their children, sometimes even before they are born. Is this the world you want them to be exposed to?

Addressing misogynistic topics head-on, Adolescence serves as a mirror to society, reflecting the urgent need for conversations about gender-based violence and online hate. By bringing these issues to the forefront, the series challenges viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about the environments we allow to fester online and offline. However, the impact of such a series is double-edged. While it educates and raises awareness, there's a risk that some viewers, particularly impressionable young boys, might misinterpret its message. They could perceive Jamie's actions as justifiable or, worse, emulate his behavior, thinking it's acceptable. This potential for negative influence underscores the responsibility of creators and platforms to provide context and guidance alongside such content. Unfortunately, they cannot control how a viewer perceives something. That's the most scary part.

The show was disturbing in ways I was not prepared for. I have always known that misogyny exists, but I never realized how deeply it festers online, hidden in corners I never knew to look for. Jamie is gradually pulled into a toxic ideology that warps his perception of women and relationships. Seeing this process unfold made me sick to my stomach. It was terrifying to witness how easily impressionable young boys could be manipulated into seeing the world through such a warped lens. After completing the 4 episode series, I found myself thinking about all the young people watching this. For some, it will be an eye-opener, a warning about the dangers of radicalization and unchecked hatred. I can see how this show could spark important conversations about misogyny and online culture, especially among parents and educators. It might push people to pay closer attention to what their children consume on the internet and how they engage with the world. If nothing else, it sheds light on a problem that many, like me, might not have even known existed.

The susceptibility of minors to online influences cannot be overstated. Social media platforms, rife with hatred, bias, misogyny, and vitriol, often serve as echo chambers that reinforce harmful beliefs. Adolescence poignantly illustrates how easily young individuals can be swayed by these toxic environments, leading to devastating real-world consequences. Reflecting on the trajectory of our world, it's evident that we're at a crossroads. The rise of incel culture and online radicalization signals a troubling trend. Yet, by acknowledging these issues and fostering open dialogues, there's hope for change. Education, both at home and in schools, about digital literacy and emotional intelligence can hopefully pave the way for a more empathetic and understanding society.

Then there’s the darker side of it. What about those already teetering on the edge of these toxic beliefs? What if instead of seeing it as a cautionary tale, they see Jamie as a tragic hero? The danger with depicting such realistic narratives is that some people will inevitably misinterpret them. I fear that some young boys watching this will see validation rather than a warning. That thought chills me. More than anything, this show made me wonder about the kind of world we are building. When I was young, the internet felt like an escape, a place for learning and connection. Now, it seems to have become a battleground, breeding anger, resentment, and violence. How do we stop this? How do we reach young minds before they are lost? I don’t have the answers, but I know that ignoring the issue is not an option.

Adolescence left me with a sense of unease that I can’t shake. It was powerful, yes, but also profoundly disheartening. I hope that, for most people, it will serve as a wake-up call. A reminder that we need to do better. That we need to raise young children to be kind, to be open-hearted, to be human. Because if we don’t, the consequences are too frightening to even imagine.