Don’t let the algorithm raise the next generation
What’s your doomscrolling ritual? A pick-me-up first thing in the morning after your default alarm shakes you within an inch of your life? On the sofa when the chat runs dry at pre’s? On public transport without headphones? (better not be).
While your FYP or feed appears to be a pre-organised endless stream of chaos, what comes next depends on you. Every like, share or second of content you watch shapes what follows. It’s the same story for everyone: one video leads to another and before you know it, it’s midnight, and you’re watching someone on the other side of the planet cutting their grass. A monkey wearing a top hat on a skateboard. Or, some dafty putting down women.
That’s how algorithms work. They track what you watch and serve you more of it.
Sometimes, it’s stream clips, gym advice or someone making a genuinely decent point. Other times, its guys telling you what it means to be a man, how women should be dominated and what relationships should look like.
Some content promotes respect and healthy relationships. Some of it degrades women, makes sexual harassment sound like a laugh or suggests that control and aggression are signs of being a ‘real man’. The more you see something, the easier it can be to start thinking it’s normal.
It’s important to have a balanced worldview, and you don’t need to delete every app on your phone. But it’s worth paying attention to what you’re watching, what you’re sharing and what you’re letting slide. Here’s a few tips to help you:
Ask why it’s in your feed
Not every video deserves your attention. Before you take advice from a guy online, ask yourself a few questions:
- Is this information having an effect on me? Is it making me feel more positive or is it making me feel negative about myself and others?
- What are they gaining from this? Are they trying to sell me something, grow their audience or make money from clicks and views?
- Would I trust this advice if it came from someone I knew? Just because someone has a large following doesn’t mean they’re credible or have your best interests at heart.
Have a conversation
If you’ve got a younger brother, son, nephew or young guys in your life, ask them who they’re following online.
No need to turn it into a lecture. Just have a chat. Ask them who they follow, what they like about them and why. You might disagree. That’s fine. The point is to get them thinking about what they’re watching and how it could shape their attitudes towards women, relationships and consent.
The conversations don’t need to be serious or formal. They can happen in the car, while watching the game, or out and about. A five-minute chat could help them question something they see online.
Remember you’re an influencer too
You don’t need a blue tick to influence someone. They way you speak about women, the jokes you laugh at, how you treat people and the way you respond when something doesn’t feel right all help shape what’s seen as normal.
Whether you’re a dad, older brother, uncle, coach, teacher, colleague or mate, someone could be taking their lead from you. Young guys learn just as much from the people around them as they do online.
Being a positive role model doesn’t mean being perfect. It means leading by example, showing respect and having the confidence to speak up when it matters.
You are a role model. Be a decent one.
Your actions set the standard for others. Stop sexual violence before it starts.
Support
You can find advice and information on the Police Scotland website.
Call Police Scotland on 101. In an emergency always call 999.