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Netflix’s latest series, *Adolescence*, delves into the life of 13-year-old Jamie, who faces grave allegations of murdering a classmate. The storyline unfolds against a backdrop of cyberbullying and exposure to misogynistic content online, raising pressing questions about the influences on young people today.
During a candid family discussion, 15-year-old Ben expresses discomfort with discussing his feelings, particularly surrounding topics like sex and pornography, with his parents, Sophie and Martin. Together, they reflect on the challenges that arise from Ben’s engagement with social media, particularly its potential impact on his behavior and interactions.
In the aftermath of watching *Adolescence*, the family gathers in their living room, where they explore the themes presented in the drama. The portrayal of Jamie’s experiences resonates with Ben, who identifies with aspects of school life depicted in the show, including the prevalence of cyberbullying and relational dynamics among peers.
‘People just call each other virgins’
The discussion opens with Ben casually scrolling through his phone, indicating the omnipresence of technology in his life. Sophie and Martin have prioritized creating an open environment for discussions, believing that no topic should be off-limits. They are aware that Ben’s social media interactions could be shaping his views and behaviors.
Sophie notes the disturbing language and attitudes displayed by Jamie and his friends, which reflect a broader, troubling culture surrounding masculinity. Terms associated with the “manosphere,” such as “incel,” emerge in the conversation, although Ben admits he is unfamiliar with the term, suggesting it may have fallen out of common use among his peers.
Ben acknowledges the show’s representation of adolescent struggles, yet critiques its simplistic portrayal of teenage life as lacking nuances—especially in depicting the beneficial aspects of social media. He argues that the series sometimes prioritizes dramatization over authenticity, particularly in its attempt to alarm parents about the dangers of online content.
Stephen Graham, who portrays Jamie’s father in the series, co-wrote the show to stimulate critical discussions and provoke meaningful changes regarding youth and online safety. Notably, the drama references Andrew Tate, a controversial figure associated with the manosphere. Despite Tate’s past popularity among students, Ben reveals he is considered “old news” at his school, indicating shifting cultural tides among youth.
Can boys and girls be friends?
Another significant theme in the show is the portrayal of male-female friendships. Jamie’s absence of female friendships raises concerns, particularly for Sophie, who notes a lack of opportunities for Ben to interact with girls his age. She worries that social media influences how boys perceive and interact with girls, often in a detrimental way.
In a revealing exchange, Sophie questions Ben about the sources of his knowledge on interacting with the opposite sex. He admits to turning to online platforms for guidance, creating a paradox where his social anxieties lead him back to the impersonal nature of online advice.
Ben reflects on a visit to his cousin’s mixed school, where he saw more balanced interactions between genders. This exposure was enlightening for him, illustrating a disparity between his experiences and those of his cousin, who demonstrated a healthier understanding of male-female relationships.
Sharing intimate images
The series also tackles the alarming issue of non-consensual sharing of intimate images, as demonstrated by the character Katie, who suffers bullying after her personal photos are leaked. Ben acknowledges similar incidents within his own peer group, revealing how normalized such violations of trust have become amongst teenagers.
Sitting through the unfolding narrative, Ben recognizes that pornography is a significant concern among his friends, with some becoming heavily reliant on it. He conveys a discomfort discussing pornography itself, but opens up about the pervasive nature of troubling content across the internet.
What can be done?
In light of these challenges, Sophie and Martin advocate for broader societal efforts to empower children and provide them with stronger self-esteem. They emphasize the importance of diverse role models and enriching activities that can redirect youth away from negative influences associated with online culture.
It’s clear that they believe a collective effort is essential in addressing the dangers surrounding adolescent experiences in a digital world, with each facet of society—from parents to schools to tech companies—bearing responsibility. They express the overwhelming nature of these challenges, likening their efforts to utilizing an umbrella against a tsunami.
In conclusion, Ben stresses the significance of acknowledging the realities of online interactions. He argues for a more empathetic understanding from adults regarding the intersection of digital and real-life experiences, asserting that social media must be regarded as an integral part of life today.
*All names in this article have been changed.*
Source
www.bbc.com