Sir Gareth Southgate has issued a stark warning about "callous, manipulative and toxic" online influencers creating a crisis for young men.
The former England manager delivered the Richard Dimbleby Lecture, highlighting the dangers of social media.
He expressed concern that a generation of young men are "suffering" as they navigate the digital landscape.
Southgate's address, titled 'The Beautiful Game: Building Belief and Resilience in a Younger Generation', emphasised the importance of role models.
Sir Gareth Southgate has issued a stark warning about "callous, manipulative and toxic" online influencers creating a crisis for young men
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He delivered his speech at the University of London.
The 54-year-old warned that as real-world mentorship declines, young men are withdrawing and becoming reluctant to express their emotions.
This creates a dangerous void in their lives.
"As real-world communities and mentorship declines, young men end up withdrawing, reluctant to talk or express their emotions," Southgate said.
He observed that these young men increasingly spend time online searching for direction.
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Gareth Southgate stepped down as England manager following their failure to win Euro 2024 last summer
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This leads them to "unhealthy alternatives like gaming, gambling and pornography".
Southgate warned this void becomes filled by "a new kind of role model who does not have their best interest at heart".
"These are callous, manipulative and toxic influencers, whose sole drive is for their own gain," Southgate continued.
He explained how these figures "willingly trick young men into believing that success is measured by money or dominance, never showing emotion, and that the world, including women, is against them."
Southgate follows in the footsteps of famous authors, actors and entrepreneurs in delivering the 46th Richard Dimbleby Lecture.
Since stepping down following England's defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final last summer, he has visited community centres, schools and a prison.
The former defender spoke about the importance of "belief and resilience" in his address.
He used his missed penalty against Germany at Euro 96 as an example of growing from difficult experiences.
Southgate transformed the culture of the England team after taking charge in 2016.
He encouraged his players to be open with their emotions and feelings with this approach creating strong bonds and connections within the team.
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Southgate highlighted how social media creates unrealistic expectations for young people.
"Today, young people are bombarded by information at all times of the day," he said.
"They are targeted with images of the perfect body, the perfect career and the perfect life."
He described this as "a beautifully crafted highlights reel where success appears to be instant and effortless."
"How can this make them feel good about themselves?" he questioned.
Gareth Southgate is worried about young men 'gambling, gaming and watching porn' with the former England boss eager to help sort out the crisis
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Southgate acknowledged the complexity of addressing these issues but stressed action is needed.
"The solutions are complex because bad habits have been formed. But ignoring the negative impact of social media on our young people is not an option," he warned.
His message focused on continuous improvement rather than just achievement.
"Not everyone will win trophies, not everyone will be at the top of their field. But everyone can live a life where they can constantly strive to improve."
