Taught to Hate, Longing to Belong: Misogyny and the Making of Masculinity in <i>Adolescence</i>

This article examines the Netflix series Adolescence (2025) to explore how misogynistic ideologies influence the formation of masculinity during adolescence, emphasizing themes of hate, belonging, and digital socialization. Through narrative inquiry and cinema therapy lenses, the analysis reveals the profound psychological impacts of online misogyny and peer victimization, underscoring the dangerous allure of belonging that extremist digital communities offer vulnerable young males. Drawing upon experiences from working in juvenile detention centers, the authors highlight the ethical imperative to authentically represent marginalized adolescent narratives. Additionally, the article addresses systemic gaps in parental awareness, institutional accountability, and societal preparedness to mitigate these digital risks. Concluding with recommendations for integrated clinical, educational, and policy-based interventions, this article calls for collective action to foster healthier masculinities, emotional resilience, and digital literacy among adolescents navigating complex online landscapes.