Marvyn x Mayor talk Manosphere: Sadiq Khan on Big Tech and Radicalisation

About this episode

<p>In this follow-up conversation from South by Southwest, Marvin Harrison sits down with the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, to address the influence of the "manosphere" on young men and boys. Mayor Khan discusses the urgent need to hold big tech companies accountable for algorithms that prioritize engagement through negativity and misogyny. He outlines a dual approach to the issue: calling for stricter regulation via the Online Safety Act and Ofcom, while simultaneously investing in offline support systems, including £30 million for youth clubs and targeted initiatives to guide young men toward positive influences.</p><h3>Key Discussion Points</h3><ul><li><strong>The "Outrage Economy":</strong> An exploration of how social media platforms monetize toxic content and misogyny by incentivizing engagement through outrage. </li><li><strong>The Case for Regulation:</strong> Mayor Khan compares the current state of social media to the tobacco industry, arguing that if platforms do not voluntarily change their algorithms, regulators must intervene to protect children. </li><li><strong>Empowering Offline Alternatives:</strong> Discussion of the "Ignore the Noise, Trust the Voice" campaign and the importance of funding youth work as a necessary "proxy" for support systems. </li><li><strong>Call to Action:</strong> A reflection on collective responsibility, emphasizing that while policy and funding are vital, individual contributions—whether through local youth groups, sports, or mentorship—are essential to shifting the culture. </li></ul><p><br></p><p>Welcome to <strong>The Marvyn Harrison Podcast</strong> — a story-driven conversation exploring identity, fatherhood, masculinity, relationships, culture, politics, sport, and modern life.</p><p>In each episode, Marvyn Harrison sits down with leading thinkers, creatives, athletes, policymakers, and cultural voices to unpack the defining moments that shaped them. Through image prompts, structured storytelling, and revealing game segments, guests explore pivotal memories, career turning points, personal struggles, and the beliefs that guide their decisions today.</p><p>Expect honest discussions on mental health, family dynamics, leadership, equity, ambition, resilience, and the realities of navigating success in Britain and beyond.</p><p>This is a podcast about clarity, where lived experience meets sharp cultural insight.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>