How Manosphere Influencers Draw People in: The B.A.D.G.E.D. Playbook
Drawing on my work with young men and the insights of researchers who have examined the manosphere, I use the acronym B.A.D.G.E.D. to summarise a method consistently employed by some manosphere influencers to enlist and profit from followers:
B—Build up the problem: Frame ordinary developmental struggles as personal deficiency. You’re not attractive enough. You’re not successful enough.
A—Attack the mainstream: Position society as deceptive and hostile. You’re being misled. Feminism is trying to emasculate you.
D—Deliver “hidden” knowledge: Claim to be the voice of truth in a world of lies. You’ve joined the awakened.
G—Gather the tribe: Create a sense of belonging and shared identity. You’ve joined the awakened.
E—Extract payment: Monetise the solution through courses, programmes, subscriptions and investments.
D—Drip-feed reminders: Keep the threat alive. Stay sharp. Society will try to trick you.