Gareth Southgate speaks out against ‘toxic’ influencers

OpinionLifestyle
19 Mar 2025 • 4:46 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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  • 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.

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