Abstract
This study examines how the proliferation of hyper-masculine and right-wing political content within non-traditional media spaces, commonly referred to as the “manosphere,” affects young male voter choice in U.S. presidential elections. As traditional mass media declines in influence among younger generations, podcasts and social media influencers increasingly function as alternative political information sources. Drawing on the theoretical frameworks of opinion leaders and the two-step flow of information, this research investigates whether popular podcast hosts and influencers shape young men’s political ideologies and electoral behavior. Using a mixed-methods survey of college-aged men, this study tests three hypotheses examining whether exposure to manosphere content, perceptions of influencers as opinion leaders, and support for endorsed candidates are associated with the Republican vote choice. While statistical analysis reveals a lack of significance due to sample size constraints, the findings suggest meaningful patterns in media consumption, trust, and ideological alignment that warrant further scholarly attention.
Advisor
Vallejo, Erika
Department
Political Science
Recommended Citation
Nichols, Cooper J., "The Manosphere at the Ballot Box: A Mixed Methods Analysis of the Affect of Hyper-Masculine Media on Young Male Vote Choice" (2026). Senior Independent Study Theses. Paper 13274.
https://openworks.wooster.edu/independentstudy/13274
Publication Date
2026
Degree Granted
Bachelor of Arts
Document Type
Senior Independent Study Thesis
© Copyright 2026 Cooper J. Nichols