TL;DR
Andrew Tate is the "final boss" of the manosphere. He hooks boys with messages about fitness, discipline, and financial "freedom," then pivots into aggressive misogyny and "Matrix" conspiracy theories. If your son is talking about being an "Alpha," "Top G," or escaping the "Matrix," he's likely in the rabbit hole.
Quick Links for Context:
Andrew Tate is a former kickboxer and reality TV contestant who became the most Googled person in the world by gaming the algorithm. He created a multi-level marketing scheme called Hustler’s University (now rebranded as The Real World), where he paid thousands of members to flood TikTok and Instagram with controversial clips of him.
To your son, he might look like a life coach with a fleet of supercars. To the rest of the world, he’s a man currently facing serious legal charges in Romania involving human trafficking and organized crime.
The "Top G" persona is built on "traditional" masculinity dialed up to eleven. It’s a mix of valid advice (work out, be disciplined, make money) and deeply toxic rhetoric (women are property, men should be dominant/aggressive, and anyone who disagrees is a "brokie" or a "soy boy").
It’s easy to dismiss Tate as just another flavor of YouTube brain rot, but it’s more calculated than that.
- The "Big Brother" Vibe: Many boys feel aimless or criticized by modern culture. Tate offers a clear, albeit aggressive, roadmap to "success." He tells them they are special and that they can be powerful.
- The Aesthetic: The cigars, the private jets, and the "Top G" lifestyle are high-definition bait. For a 14-year-old, this looks like the ultimate achievement.
- The "Matrix" Narrative: Tate frames himself as a truth-teller being silenced by "the system." When he gets banned from Facebook or YouTube, it only proves his point to his followers that he’s "too dangerous" for the elites to handle.
- The Humor: Whether we like it or not, the "Ohio" and "Sigma" meme culture often overlaps with Tate fans. It feels like an inside joke that parents just don't get.
Your son doesn't have to search for Andrew Tate to find him. If he watches a video about Minecraft parkour, fitness tips, or even just funny TikTok memes, the algorithm eventually tests the waters with a "motivational" Tate clip.
If he watches that clip to the end? The algorithm decides he wants more. Within an hour, his feed can shift from gaming to "How to treat women like property" and "Why school is a scam."
If your son is looking for discipline and strength, you don't have to shut down that desire. You just need to swap the source. Here are some alternatives that offer the "hustle" without the hate:
If the hook is "self-discipline," this book is the gold standard. It teaches how to build a life of purpose through small actions rather than "Alpha" posturing. It’s the "hustle" without the misogyny.
Jocko is a former Navy SEAL who embodies "toughness" and discipline. Crucially, his philosophy is built on humility and taking responsibility for your mistakes—the exact opposite of Tate’s "it’s the Matrix’s fault" excuse-making.
Steven Bartlett talks about success, money, and fitness, but he also talks about mental health, vulnerability, and failure. It’s a much more balanced view of what a "successful man" looks like in 2026.
While he’s a brand unto himself, The Rock promotes a version of masculinity centered on hard work, kindness, and being a "girl dad." It’s a great counter-narrative to the idea that being "strong" means being a jerk.
- Ages 10-12: This is the "meme" stage. They might say "What color is your Bugatti?" without knowing who Tate is. This is the time to talk about media literacy and how people use "cool" things to sell bad ideas.
- Ages 13-15: This is the danger zone. Boys are looking for an identity. If they are spending hours on YouTube Shorts or TikTok, they are seeing this content.
- Ages 16+: At this age, the conversation needs to be about the legal realities and the treatment of women. They are old enough to understand the gravity of trafficking allegations and the "grift" of his business model.
If you go in hot with "Andrew Tate is a monster," your son will likely defend him. Why? Because to him, you're just echoing "The Matrix."
Try these "Screenwise-approved" conversation starters instead:
- The "Cherry-Picking" Approach: "I saw that clip you were watching about working out every day. I actually agree with that part. But what do you think about what he says regarding your sister/mom? Do you think he'd respect them?"
- The "Follow the Money" Approach: "Did you know Tate makes money every time someone signs up for his course by sharing his videos? He’s basically using his fans as free marketing. He’s getting rich off you watching him. Is that 'escaping the Matrix' or just being part of his?"
- The "Real Strength" Question: "Who is the strongest man you actually know in real life? Does he treat people the way this guy does? Why do you think there's a difference?"
Keep an eye out for these shifts in behavior:
- Sudden Misogyny: Using terms like "females" instead of "women" or "girls," or expressing the idea that women are less capable or "emotional."
- Obsession with "Alpha/Beta" hierarchies: Viewing every social interaction as a power struggle.
- Anti-School Rhetoric: Claiming that education is "programming" and that they should just drop out to trade crypto or do "copywriting."
- Secretive Screen Time: Closing Discord or TikTok as soon as you walk in the room.
Andrew Tate isn't just a "bad influencer"; he's a symptom of a generation of boys looking for a roadmap to adulthood. Banning his name usually backfires. The goal isn't to just delete the app—it's to provide a better alternative.
Show them that you can be strong, successful, and disciplined without being a "Top G." Show them that real "Alpha" energy is about protecting and respecting others, not dominating them.
Next Steps:
- Check the "Following" list: Take a peek at who they follow on TikTok or Instagram.
- Audit the "For You" Page: Sit with them and scroll for 10 minutes. See what the algorithm is serving them.
- Introduce Better Creators: Suggest they check out Hasan Piker (for a different political take) or fitness creators who focus on form and health rather than "status."
Check out our guide on navigating the "Manosphere" with your teen