Stephen Graham expresses concern over the rise of “misogynistic tendencies” and emphasizes that we are all partly responsible for finding a solution. His new limited series Adolescence explores the impact of social media on children and their exposure to radicalized viewpoints online.
In an interview with Sky News, Graham reveals that a specific event inspired him to create the show.
Stephen Graham as Eddie Miller in Adolescence. Pic: Netflix
“I read an article about a young girl who was stabbed to death by a young boy, and then a few months later, on the news there was a young girl who, again, had been brutally stabbed to death by a young boy in a completely different part of the country.
“If I’m really honest with you, that hurt my heart and I just thought, why? Why does this kind of thing happen? What is this society? Why have we reached this point where this kind of thing is happening? What was the reason?”
The four-part drama, Graham explains, doesn’t provide answers but serves as a reflection of society, prompting questions on how to address the growing presence of incel culture.
“We are all to some extent accountable. There are shortcomings within the school system, issues within the education system that need to be examined in response to the increase in misogynistic behavior.
“Society as a whole, parents, and the government all have roles to play in addressing this issue.”
What is the term incel?
Derived from the phrase “involuntarily celibate,” incel culture refers to individuals who feel unable to find a romantic partner despite desiring one.
An extremist subset of incels has emerged online, comprising individuals who oppose feminism and believe in male superiority, justifying the objectification and criticism of women.
Influencers like Andrew Tate have been linked to this growing online community that radicalizes young boys.
Ashley Walters as Detective Inspector Bascombe in Adolescence. Pic: Netflix
Actor Ashley Walters, who stars alongside Graham in the series, admits to being shocked by the existence of such misogynistic groups and expresses concern for the environment children are being raised in.
“I had seen some Andrew Tate content online, but I never fully engaged with it. This was a wake-up call for me.
He adds: “I sometimes feel sorry for [kids]. When I was growing up, I was sheltered. I had no idea about what was happening in other parts of the world.
“I was content with what I had in my little bubble. I wasn’t exposed to materialism and excess. It’s no surprise that kids are maturing quicker in today’s world.”
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The Top Boy actor emphasizes the difficulty young boys face in expressing their emotions.
“It’s crucial to have these conversations and normalize discussions about emotions, just as women and girls do. I strongly advocate for men to embrace vulnerability, share their feelings, and communicate openly.
“This is why I felt compelled to be part of this dialogue that we’re initiating, as I believe it’s essential for men to be able to express themselves and discuss their emotions.
“It’s challenging for me at times, so I can only imagine how tough it is for young men given the impact of social media and other influences on their lives.”
‘This government needs to do something’
Co-creator and writer Jack Thorne echoes the sentiment, urging the government to intervene and help guide children and parents on the appropriate use of social media.
“The government needs to take action. There’s a bill in the Commons this Friday that has been significantly watered down by the government due to their fear of big tech.
“We need to have discussions similar to those in Australia, where legislation is being implemented to regulate social media access.
“These conversations are necessary in our country as well, and if we don’t address these issues, they will only worsen.”
Fatima Bojang as Jade in Adolescence. Pic: Netflix
Thorne adds: “While working on this show, I delved into some dark places and witnessed the reach and impact of the internet. It’s not just about Andrew Tate. He represents the darker side of adult influence.
“There’s far worse content out there that teaches children a distorted and harmful logic. Unless we address and discuss these issues, things will only deteriorate.”
A government spokesperson stated: “We are dedicated to ensuring the online safety of young people.
“Starting next week, Ofcom will enforce the Online Safety Act’s regulations on illegal content, targeting the most harmful material.
“By summer, children will have protection from harmful content, and platforms will be required to ensure age-appropriate online experiences.
“These measures are just the beginning, and our focus is on swift and effective implementation.
“We acknowledge that there is more work to be done and have already taken steps, including commissioning a study to examine the impact of social media and smartphones on children’s well-being.
“This research will enable us to consider all options promptly to further enhance the safety of children online.”
Adolescence will premiere on Netflix on April 13.