How Netflix series 'Adolescence' exposes online dangers

How Netflix series ‘Adolescence’ exposes online dangers

British series, ‘Adolescence’, uncovers the hidden meanings behind emojis used by teenagers, revealing their connection to toxic online communities.

The Netflix series Adolescence focuses on some heavy topics. Image: Netflix Instagram

The Netflix series Adolescence has ignited discussions about the concealed meanings behind certain emojis used by teenagers, particularly those associated with the “manosphere” and incel culture.

The story centres around 13-year-old Jamie Miller (Owen Cooper), who becomes entangled in extremist online communities, leading to tragic consequences. It is filmed in real-time using a one-shot method to film the action as it happens.

However, the film focuses on heavy-hitting topics such as misogyny and the online “manosphere” as well as social media and parenting.

What is the manosphere?

According to Grazia, the manosphere is an online space where men discuss issues affecting them, but some groups promote misogyny and blame women for their problems.

It includes men’s rights activists, pickup artists, and those who reject relationships with women.

Incel culture (involuntary celibates) is an online group of men who feel rejected by women and believe society favours attractive men. Some express extreme resentment and even support violence.

Both communities use coded language online, and some members have been linked to harmful behaviour.

THE CODED EMOJIS IN ADOLESCENCE

In the series, specific emojis serve as coded symbols within these toxic subcultures, according to the Daily Telegraph.

Red Pill: This represents an awakening to perceived societal truths, commonly associated with the “manosphere.”

Dynamite: Signifies an “exploding red pill,” indicating someone identifying as an incel.

100: This refers to the belief that 80% of women are attracted to 20% of men, suggesting that deceptive tactics are necessary to engage women.

Kidney Bean: Used to self-identify as an incel.

The Heart Emojis

There’s a colour-coded system:

Red = love

Purple = horny

Yellow = ‘I’m interested, are you interested’

Pink = ‘I’m interested, but not in sex’

Orange = ‘You’re going to be fine’

Adolescence is an ordinary family’s worst nightmare

Adolescence co-creator Stephen Graham, who plays Eddie Miller, and Jamie’s father spoke to Netflix.

“One of our aims was to ask, ‘What is happening to our young men these days, and what are the pressures they face from their peers, from the internet, and from social media?’” he said.

Graham explained the thought behind the story.

“We could have made a drama about gangs and knife crime, or about a kid whose mother is an alcoholic or whose father is a violent abuser.

“Instead, we wanted you to look at this family and think, ‘My God. This could be happening to us!’ And what’s happening here is an ordinary family’s worst nightmare,” he said.

A Wake-Up Call for Parents

Adolescence serves as a warning about the dangers lurking online, especially for young, impressionable boys.

By exposing the secret language of emojis and the hidden world of toxic online spaces, the series encourages parents to stay vigilant and engage in open conversations with their children.