Study shows 'alarming' decline in acceptance of homosexuality among young people
Recent research shows a dramatic decrease in the acceptance of homosexuality among young people in the Netherlands, with positive attitudes among high school boys nearly halving in four years. Experts attribute this shift to the influence of social media and the manosphere, which propagate increasingly conservative or negative views on gender and sexuality.
A recent study conducted by the Trimbos Institute and Utrecht University reveals a sharp decline in the acceptance of homosexuality among young people in the Netherlands over the past four years. The findings are particularly stark among high school boys, where the share of those expressing a positive attitude has plummeted from 40 percent in 2021 to 22 percent in 2025. This downward trend mirrors patterns previously observed in Amsterdam, where earlier local research also indicated a significant shift toward less accepting viewpoints among teenagers.
Advocacy group COC Nederland describes these figures as alarming. Experts attribute this decline primarily to the influence of social media and the rise of the so-called manosphere. Influencers within these online spaces frequently promote conservative or negative views on gender roles and homosexuality, which resonate heavily with young male audiences. While the phenomenon has been a growing concern, officials note that the levels of acceptance vary significantly between different schools, highlighting a complex challenge that persists despite ongoing educational efforts.
Based on reporting by rss. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.
