This study was conducted in September 2025 by NAKASEC, in partnership with Dr. Tom Wong of the University of California-San Diego, and focuses on the digital media habits, manosphere content exposure, and emotional experiences of Asian American men. This fresh survey establishes a baseline for future research and provides recommendations for action. Researchers and community leaders describe the findings as a signaling a clear inflection point — both a warning sign and an opportunity to reach young Asian men and disrupt the pipeline to radical extremism.
“This data confirms what we have long observed but never had the data to prove,” said NAKASEC Communications Director, Rachel Koelzer. “Asian American men are not immune to the manosphere. In fact, they are being actively targeted in ways that exploit racialized masculinity, social isolation, and personal challenges. These findings arrive at a moment of growing concerns about how digital spaces radicalize users, fuel real-world harm, and funnel men toward extremist ideologies.”
“Without proactive intervention, the proliferation of the manosphere risks further normalizing gender-based violence and extremist ideologies and thereby threatens democracy,” said NAKASEC Co-Director, Becky Belcore. “At the same time, the data shines a light on opportunities for intervention and prevention – starting with meeting Asian American men where they are. This study underscores the urgent need for investment in Asian American communities and a focus on reaching beyond our own echo chambers.”
Read the report below.
