What’s up, second-gen community? The Netflix series Adolescence has everyone talking about the dark side of growing up online, where a 13-year-old boy, Jamie, is driven to violence by toxic ideas about masculinity. Influencers like Andrew and Tristan Tate, with their “manosphere” messages, fuel these pressures, pushing young people to look and act in rigid, harmful ways. In Ireland, second-gen Gen Z feels this too – expectations to fit a certain image or vibe, often clashing with your diverse identities. But Ireland’s history of empathy gives you a foundation to challenge these norms.
The Weight of Expectations in Adolescence
Adolescence, Netflix’s top show in 2025, follows Jamie, a teen radicalised by online misogyny, who murders a classmate, Katie, after she labels him an “incel” online. The series names Andrew Tate as a key influence, with characters citing his “shite” as fueling Jamie’s toxic views. A 2023 YouGov study found 17% of UK boys aged 6–15 view Tate positively, with 12% agreeing with his views on women, showing how his ideas reach young, impressionable minds. Jamie’s story reflects the pressure to embody “alpha” masculinity – tough, dominant, attractive – amplified by Tate’s videos, viewed billions of times on TikTok. yougov.co.uk
For second-gen youth in Ireland, this hits home. You’re navigating expectations to look a certain way – fit, stylish, “cool” – while facing cultural pressures from your heritage and Ireland’s social media-driven scene. The Drinks Industry Group’s report notes Gen Z’s mindful approach, rejecting shallow trends, but 60% of you feel judged on appearance, per a 2024 Eurobarometer survey. *Adolescence* shows how these pressures, left unchecked, can turn harmful, but your dual identity gives you strength to push back. europa.eu
The Tate Brothers’ Toxic Influence
Andrew Tate, a former kickboxer turned influencer, and his brother Tristan promote a hyper-masculine lifestyle through platforms like Hustler’s University and The War Room, charging young men for “success” tips. Tate’s called himself a misogynist, claiming women are “property” and men must dominate, per a 2023 BBC interview. Despite facing charges in Romania and the UK for rape, human trafficking, and sexual assault – which they deny – their content still reaches millions, with 10.7 million X followers as of June 2025. A 2023 Savanta study found 32% of young UK men view Tate positively, often drawn to his wealth and “no-excuses” rhetoric, not just his misogyny.
In Ireland, second-gen youth see this online noise. Tate’s ideas—like the “80-20 rule” (80% of women want 20% of men)—pressure guys to chase unrealistic looks or status, while girls face objectification. X posts with #Manosphere show Irish teens discussing Tate’s “motivation,” but many reject his hate, reflecting Gen Flow’s critical mindset. Your families’ resilience – migrating, adapting – helps you see through this toxic vibe, choosing authenticity over conformity, as the Drinks Industry report highlights.
Ireland’s Empathy as a Foundation
Ireland’s history of oppression fuels its empathy for the marginalised, offering a counter to toxic norms. This empathy shapes second-gen Gen Z, with 25% of you feeling connected to global issues, per a 2023 Migrant Integration Strategy report. You’re using Gen Flow’s digital tools – WhatsApp groups, X posts -to challenge far-right hate and rigid stereotypes. Adolescence shows what happens when empathy is drowned out by online hate, but Ireland’s culture gives you a head start.
How Second-Gen Can Make Ireland Better
Few countries match Ireland’s heart, but second-gen Gen Z can make it even stronger. Adolescence warns of online radicalisation, with 23% of UK boys aged 15–16 viewing Tate favourably, per YouGov. In Ireland, you’re countering this by promoting inclusive spaces. A 2024 Pew study shows 60% of Gen Z use social media for activism, and you’re doing this—posting about body positivity or mental health to challenge appearance pressures. By amplifying diverse voices, you’re building on Ireland’s legacy, like Kneecap’s pro-Palestine stance, to create a culture that values authenticity.
Your dual identity is your power. You’re navigating expectations while celebrating your roots, rejecting Tate’s toxic “success” for real impact. Organise online campaigns, mentor younger peers, or call out harmful norms in your networks. Gen Flow’s tech-savvy approach lets you spread this vibe globally, making Ireland a leader in fairness and inclusion.
Your Voice Matters
Second-gen community, you’re Ireland’s future. Share a 300–500-word piece at equalityworx.com/submit about how you’re challenging pressures to look or act a certain way, or how Ireland can fight toxic influences like the Tates. Post a clip on X or Instagram with #EqualityWorxVibe and tag @EqualityWorx – we’ll amplify it. You’re Gen Flow, turning Ireland’s empathy into action to create a world where everyone thrives. Let’s make this a movement! ✊ #EqualityWorxVibe
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