Gareth Southgate warns of ‘toxic influencers’ and ‘crisis’ facing generation of young men
Gareth Southgate speaks out against ‘toxic’ influencers
- Former England manager Sir Gareth Southgate has warned of a "crisis" facing young men due to "toxic" online influencers promoting harmful ideals of success and masculinity.
- In his Richard Dimbleby Lecture, Southgate highlighted the negative impact of social media, gaming, gambling, and pornography on young men's mental health and resilience.
- He emphasised the decline of real-world communities and mentors, which he said left young men vulnerable to manipulative online figures who prioritise personal gain over their well-being.
- Southgate advocated for better role models and stressed the importance of building belief and resilience in young men, drawing on his own experiences with setbacks and growth.
- He called for addressing the negative influence of social media and promoting a healthier definition of success beyond material wealth and dominance.
