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ketchuppiee · 2 months ago

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The Dark Side of Digital Citizenship: Online Conflict, the Manosphere & Gaslighting 🌐🔥

Introduction 🖥️💬

The internet was supposed to bring people together, but instead, it has become a battleground for ideological clashes, misinformation, and harassment. As digital citizens, we engage daily in online spaces where these conflicts unfold—whether it’s through heated political debates, toxic subcultures like the manosphere, or manipulative tactics like gaslighting. While social media platforms promise connection and free expression, they often fail to curb online harassment and harmful rhetoric. So, how do we navigate this space while maintaining a healthy, informed, and ethical digital presence?

Let’s take a deeper dive into these issues.

🔥 Online Harassment & Cyberbullying

Online harassment is widespread and harmful, affecting people across all demographics. According to Jones et al. (2013: 54), online harassment is defined as:

“Threats or other offensive unwanted behaviours targeted directly at others through new technology channels (e.g. Internet, text messaging) or posted online for others to see that is likely to cause them harm, unintentionally or otherwise.”

Online harassment can take many forms, from spreading malicious rumors and sending abusive messages to non-consensual sharing of private content. Hate speech and incitement of violence also fall under this category, particularly when motivated by prejudice against gender, race, religion, or other identities. Studies show that women are disproportionately affected by online harassment (Pew Research Centre, 2017; Southern & Harmer, 2019). A YouGov survey (Smith, 2018) found that 40% of British women (aged 18–34) had received unsolicited sexual images, compared to 26% of men. These digital abuses are often seen as extensions of offline gender-based violence (Gillett, 2018).

The psychological impact of online harassment is severe. Victims frequently experience stress, anxiety, panic attacks, and, in extreme cases, suicidal thoughts (Amnesty International UK, 2017; Lenhart et al., 2016). Many withdraw from digital spaces entirely, a phenomenon known as the silencing effect, which disproportionately impacts marginalized groups (Banet-Weiser & Miltner, 2016; Jane, 2018; Megarry, 2014).

📢 Read More: The Impact of Cyberbullying

🚹 The Rise of the Manosphere

The manosphere is a loosely connected network of online communities that claim to support men’s issues but often veer into misogynistic rhetoric. Emerging as a reaction to feminism and social changes, these spaces present themselves as a refuge for men struggling with romantic rejection, financial insecurity, and lack of strong role models. While some groups focus on self-improvement and personal growth, many others cultivate resentment by blaming feminism and female empowerment for male disenfranchisement. This zero-sum perspective frames gender equality as a threat rather than a step toward social balance (Aiston, 2021).

Many young men don’t initially enter these spaces out of hatred but as a response to feelings of loneliness or exclusion. The manosphere provides them with explanations—albeit flawed ones—for their struggles, reinforcing a worldview where men must "fight back" against a perceived loss of power. Influencers play a significant role in this, using social media algorithms to target vulnerable individuals and pull them deeper into radicalized communities (Rich & Bujalka, 2023).

Addressing the manosphere requires more than simple dismissal or ostracization. Efforts to push people out of these spaces often reinforce their narratives of persecution. Instead, fostering empathy and providing alternative support systems can help steer men toward healthier communities that genuinely address their concerns without fueling misogyny and division.

🌀 Gaslighting & Manipulation in Digital Spaces

Gaslighting, originally named after the 1944 film Gaslight, refers to a psychological manipulation tactic where an individual makes someone else doubt their perception of reality. In digital spaces, gaslighting has become a tool for misinformation, abuse, and social control, used in political debates, online relationships, and media narratives. It often manifests through repeated denial of facts, reframing of events, and undermining of a person’s confidence in their memory or judgment (Gleeson, 2018).

The rise of misinformation on social media has made gaslighting more prevalent than ever. Politicians and public figures frequently use it to deflect criticism, altering narratives to make their opponents seem irrational or uninformed. In personal relationships, digital gaslighting can take the form of abusive partners manipulating conversations, erasing digital evidence, or making their victims question their own experiences. Social media influencers and viral posts also contribute by spreading misleading information, capitalizing on emotional reactions rather than truth.

Gaslighting not only erodes trust but also weakens critical thinking. When people are repeatedly exposed to manipulated realities, they become more susceptible to misinformation and coercion. Recognizing gaslighting tactics and fostering media literacy are essential to maintaining autonomy and making informed digital choices.

📢 Read More: Understanding Gaslighting

The internet is a double-edged sword—it connects us, but it also amplifies toxicity, misinformation, and radicalization. By understanding online harassment, the manosphere, and gaslighting, we can navigate digital spaces with awareness, empathy, and critical thinking.

REFERENCES

Aiston, J. (2021, October 4). What is the manosphere and why is it a concern? | Internet Matters. Www.internetmatters.org. https://www.internetmatters.org/hub/news-blogs/what-is-the-manosphere-and-why-is-it-a-concern/

Amnesty International UK. (2017). Online abuse of women widespread in UK. Www.amnesty.org.uk. https://www.amnesty.org.uk/online-abuse-women-widespread

Banet-Weiser, S., & Miltner, K. M. (2015). #MasculinitySoFragile: culture, structure, and networked misogyny. Feminist Media Studies, 16(1), 171–174.

Gillett, R. (2018). Intimate intrusions online: Studying the normalisation of abuse in dating apps. Women’s Studies International Forum, 69, 212–219. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wsif.2018.04.005

Gleeson, J. (2018). Explainer: what does “gaslighting” mean? The Conversation. https://theconversation.com/explainer-what-does-gaslighting-mean-107888

Jane, E. (2018, October 24). Gendered cyberhate- a new digital divide? ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/328474307_Gendered_cyberhate-_a_new_digital_divide

Jones, L. M., Mitchell, K. J., & Finkelhor, D. (2013). Online harassment in context: Trends from three Youth Internet Safety Surveys (2000, 2005, 2010). Psychology of Violence, 3(1), 53–69. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0030309

Lenhart, A., Ybarra, M., Zickuhr, K., & Price-Feeney, M. (2016, November 21). Online Harassment, Digital Abuse, and Cyberstalking in America. Data & Society. https://datasociety.net/library/online-harassment-digital-abuse-cyberstalking/

Megarry, J. (2014). Online incivility or sexual harassment? Conceptualising women’s experiences in the digital age. Women’s Studies International Forum, 47(1), 46–55. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wsif.2014.07.012

Pew Research Center. (2017, July 11). Online harassment 2017. Pew Research Center: Internet, Science & Tech. https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2017/07/11/online-harassment-2017/

Rich, B., & Bujalka, E. (2023, February 12). The draw of the “manosphere”: understanding Andrew Tate’s appeal to lost men. The Conversation. https://theconversation.com/the-draw-of-the-manosphere-understanding-andrew-tates-appeal-to-lost-men-199179

Smith, M. (2018, November 19). Four in ten young women have been sent unsolicited sexual images | YouGov. Yougov.co.uk. https://yougov.co.uk/society/articles/21937-four-ten-young-women-have-been-sent-unsolicited-se

Southern, R., & Harmer, E. (2021). Digital microaggressions and everyday othering: an analysis of tweets sent to women members of Parliament in the UK. Information, Communication & Society, 24(14), 1–18. https://doi.org/10.1080/1369118x.2021.1962941

Sweet, P. L. (2019). The sociology of gaslighting. American sociological review, 84(5), 851-875.

#mda20009 #digital citizenship #week 10 #online harassment #manosphere #gaslighting #cyberbullying

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binhwantstoeatoreo · 2 months ago

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Week 10 - Digital Citizenship and Conflict: Social Media Governance

*TRIGGER WARNING*: This post discusses topics related to toxic masculinity, misogyny, online radicalization, rape culture, gender-based violence and self-harm. Some readers may find certain themes distressing. Reader discretion is advised.

Dua Lipa Was Right, "The Kids Ain't Alright"! – Toxic Masculinity on the Internet and Its Harmful Effect on Young Male Generation

"When will we stop saying things? 'Cause they're all listening No, the kids ain't alright" - (Lipa, 2020)

Growing up online as a Gen Z kid, conflict was just part of the deal—it’s what shapes every community (Carter, 2023). But in digital spaces, power dynamics crank up the tension, with each community having its own messy politics (Farrell, 2013). Some voices get amplified, others get drowned out (Haslop et al., 2021, p. 1421), and somehow, even in spaces meant to be inclusive, the scales are always tipped (binhwantstoeatoreo, 2025).

Attached blog post 1. Digital Citizenship and the Inequalities of Intersectionality (binhwantstoeatore, 2025).

In the past few years, terms like “incel” and “redpill” have gone mainstream (Solea & Sugiura, 2023), wrapped up in the guise of self-improvement (Rosdahl, 2024). On TikTok, young men casually tear down women, glorify dominance, and treat misogyny like it’s just another trend. Slurs against women and queer people run unchecked, fueling toxic masculinity and rape culture.

Dua Lipa’s Boys Will Be Boys isn’t just a song—it’s a warning. “The kids ain’t alright” feels more relevant than ever as digital spaces feed young men a steady stream of misogyny, power, and hate. What they consume online is shaping them—and the reality is, they’re indeed not alright.

The Rise of the Manosphere: A Digital Breeding Ground for Conflict

The “manosphere” is everywhere—TikTok, YouTube, X (formerly Twitter)—flooded with Men’s Rights Activists (MRAs), Pick-Up Artists (PUAs), incels, and “redpill” influencers, all claiming to stand up for men. And yeah, men do have real struggles. But instead of offering actual solutions, these spaces just turn into echo chambers of bitterness, entitlement, and straight-up misogyny (Marwick & Caplan, 2018). They push this idea that men are somehow under attack by feminism and modern society, twisting real frustrations into an “us vs. them” mindset (Johanssen, 2021).

The scariest part is you don’t have to go looking for this stuff—it finds you. Algorithms on YouTube, TikTok, and other platforms aggressively push these ideologies toward young men, often after just a few clicks. Research by Papadamou et al. (2021) found that even when starting from a non-incel-related video, users have a 6.3% chance of landing on one within just five recommendations. That’s all it takes to get pulled into the rabbit hole.

Dangerous Figures in the Manosphere

Andrew Tate is one of the most influential—and most dangerous—figures in the manosphere. He preys on young boys’ insecurities (Rich & Bujalka, 2023), packaging misogyny as self-improvement. His brand is built on Pick-Up Artist (PUA) ideology, reducing women to conquests won through manipulation and control (Center on Extremism, 2024).

And his influence runs deep. A 2023 poll by Hope not Hate found that 79% of 16- and 17-year-old British boys had engaged with his content. But it’s not just teenagers—his reach extends to adulthood. A 2023 Internet Matters poll revealed that 56% of young fathers (under 35) approve of his messaging, proving that his rhetoric isn’t just warping young minds—it’s shaping masculinity across generations.

But Tate’s impact goes way beyond bad dating advice. He normalizes abuse, pushing the idea that being a “real man” means dominance at all costs. He openly claims that women exist for male pleasure and deserve punishment if they don’t “fall in line,” feeding a toxic cycle where violence against women isn’t just excused—it’s encouraged.

Figure 1. Andrew Tate's misogynistic tweet.

With over 10 million followers on X, Tate’s influence is impossible to ignore—especially through the lens of Social Influence Theory. Young boys latch onto his views because of normative social influence—the pressure to fit in and gain peer acceptance (Nolan et al., 2008). At the same time, informational social influence fills the gap for those lacking alternative perspectives, making his rhetoric feel like the ultimate truth (Wittenbrink & Henly, 1996). The more they’re exposed to his content, the more it warps their idea of masculinity, pushing the belief that aggression and dominance are the only ways to earn respect and succeed (Mucak, 2024).

Figure 2. Andrew Tate's X account.

Some manosphere influencers take a subtler approach, like Wes Watson and the Liver King, who push a version of masculinity centered on emotional suppression and physical dominance. The Liver King, for example, dismisses vulnerability, insisting that “real men don’t cry over spilled milk” (LiverKing, 2024). While framed as self-improvement, this mindset can blur the line between resilience and toxic masculinity, discouraging emotional depth and promoting aggression as strength (Chung, 2024).

Meanwhile, podcasters like Sneako, Fresh & Fit, and Myron Gaines repackage misogyny as dating advice, treating women as adversaries rather than partners (Hall, 2025). They build loyal audiences by mocking female guests, trivializing consent, and framing relationships as battles for control (Price, 2024).

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Attached video 1. A cut clip from Myron Gaines' podcast where he criticized and mocked his female guest on relationship' needs wise (FreshandFit, 2024). This clip alone massed more than 163k views and 13k likes.

Put all of this together, and you get a toxic pipeline where boys learn that being a man means being in control—of their emotions, of their relationships, and, most dangerously, of women. Vulnerability is mocked. Respect is mistaken for weakness. And the cycle of misogyny goes on.

The Impact on Women: A Cycle of Online Harassment & Rape Culture

Manosphere communities have turned online harassment into a weapon, targeting women—especially feminist voices—while using digital platforms as battlegrounds for gendered abuse (Marwick & Caplan, 2018, p. 550). The scale of this issue is staggering—during the 2024 U.S. election, Instagram ignored 93% of 1,000 documented cases of sexist and racist abuse, including death and rape threats, aimed at female political candidates (Navarro, 2025). By failing to act, these platforms send a clear message: abusers can continue unchecked, their behavior not just tolerated but practically endorsed by the very systems claiming to enforce “community guidelines.”

Some manosphere influencers go beyond implicit misogyny, outright suggesting that women deserve punishment for defying traditional gender roles (Sundén & Paasonen, 2019, p. 7). The impact of this rhetoric is tangible—26% of women surveyed by Amnesty Global Insights (2017) reported receiving threats of physical or sexual violence simply for existing online. This isn’t just a matter of offensive speech; it’s a deliberate strategy to instill fear and reinforce power imbalances in digital spaces.

Figure 3. Amnesty's (2017) poll on online harrassment types women get.

Figure 4. Laura Bates - founder of the Everyday Sexism Project, shared the disturbing sexual harrassment and death/rape threats she received online (Amnesty Global Insights, 2017).

Flood & Pease (2009) argues that exposure to misogynistic online spaces correlates with increased acceptance of rape myths and a diminished understanding of consent. This doesn’t just put women at risk—it distorts young men’s understanding of healthy relationships, leading to a cycle of toxic masculinity and emotional detachment.

The Effect on Young Men: Self-hatred and Bullying

The hate they give (to themselves):

The impact of manosphere ideology on young boys extends far beyond social conditioning—it can take a severe mental toll, leading to internalized hatred and, in some cases, even suicidal thoughts (Over et al., 2025).

A VICE investigation (Gilbert, 2023) uncovered a disturbing trend within incel communities, where a viral scene from the movie Jarhead (2005) featuring Jake Gyllenhaal—depicted the actor with a rifle in his mouth, saying,

“Shoot me. Shoot me in the fucking face.”

The video, captioned “Get shot or see her with someone else?” amassed over 2.1 million views, 440,000 likes, 7,200 comments, and 11,000 shares before its removal. Most comments encouraged the implied suicide, while others expressed deep loneliness, with one user even announcing their intent to end their life within four hours. This reveals how online echo chambers don’t just radicalize young men—they trap them in cycles of despair, reinforcing harmful beliefs that can escalate into real-world harm.

Figure 5. The now deleted TikTok video starring Jake Gyllenhaal (EKO, 2023).

Within the manosphere community, it doesn’t just promote misogyny—it polices masculinity itself, weaponizing it against anyone who doesn’t conform (Vallerga, 2024).

As a young gay man, I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve come across manosphere content that tears down both women and queer people—often in the same breath. Just existing is enough to get hit with slurs, a reminder that these spaces aren’t just hostile to feminism, but to anyone who doesn’t fit their rigid mold of masculinity.

Farrell et al. (2019) found that about 15% of content in Reddit’s manosphere communities contained homophobic rhetoric, making it clear that anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment isn’t just present—it’s baked into the culture. These spaces don’t just reject queer identities; they actively push young gay men to conform to traditional masculinity, fueling internalized homophobia (Thepsourinthone et al., 2020).

For queer youth looking for belonging, this isn’t just exclusion—it’s deeply damaging. It creates a space where you’re either erased or pressured to fit into an idea of manhood that was never meant to include you.

When Labels Push Them Further

Online, young men struggling with dating, confidence, or social skills are often labeled as “incels” or “redpilled” before they even engage with those ideologies.

The new mini-series Adolescence from Netflix, lays bare the struggle of young men trapped between rigid masculinity and online hostility (Rasker, 2025). It highlights how those who don’t fit hyper-masculine ideals face relentless bullying, often being labeled as “incels” or “redpilled”.

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Attached video 2. Netflix's new mini-series 'Adolescene' examines incel culture (The View, 2025).

While meant to critique toxic masculinity, these labels can backfire—pushing vulnerable young boys toward the very spaces that radicalize them (Hemmings, 2023).

O’Malley & Helm (2022) argued that repeated shaming leads to a self-fulfilling prophecy, where young men who felt outcasted on social media could internalize these identities and seek validation from manosphere influencers (Dolan, 2023; Ging, 2019). Over time, this reinforces toxic ideology, as hostility from outsiders makes the manosphere feel like a refuge (Reinicke, 2022, p. 10).

Adolescence doesn’t just expose these dynamics—it forces us to rethink how we engage with young men who feel lost. Instead of shaming them into extremism, we need to address their struggles before the manosphere does (Hogan, 2025).

What Can Be Done?

So far, awareness of Andrew Tate’s harmful influence on young boys is growing both online and in schools. English teacher Kirsty Pole went viral on Twitter, urging educators to recognize his misogynistic and homophobic rhetoric as a serious threat (Sharp, 2022).

Figure 6. Kirsty's tweet raising awareness about Tate's misogynistic and homophobic ideology (@TeacherBusy, 2022).

Besides, cyberfeminism actively challenges the manosphere by reclaiming digital spaces for empowerment while simultaneously confronting its ideology (Gajjala & Mamidipudi, 1999). One of its key strategies is the use of humor and memes as tools of resistance, turning the very online culture that fuels the manosphere into a means of critique and subversion (Dafaure, 2022).

Figure 7. A meme highlighting one of the many contradictions within male supremacist ideology (McCullough, 2023).

Figure 8. A meme revealing how manosphere influencers oversimplify men’s mental and emotional struggles (McCullough, 2023).

However, the cycle of conflict surrounding this issue persists, further entrenching divisions rather than fostering resolution. Adolescence has sparked heated debate online—while some applaud its attempt to address a pressing societal concern, others frame it as “toxic feminism” or “feminist propaganda.” (thenewsmovement, 2025)

Figure 9. Positive comments regarding the Netflix's mini-series.

Figure 10. Attacking comments.

Any critique of male socialization is weaponized as proof of an alleged feminist agenda against men, pushing vulnerable young men further into these spaces.

"Boys Will Be Boys," or Can We Do Better?

Dua Lipa’s song was a warning—a reflection of how normalized toxic masculinity has been in our culture. But we are now seeing an even more dangerous evolution of this problem, amplified by the reach of the internet and social media algorithms that reward controversy and polarization. If we don’t address this now, we risk losing a generation of young men to a dangerous ideology that thrives on their anger and insecurities.

The kids aren’t alright, but they can be—if we start having the right conversations and taking meaningful action.

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References:

@TeacherBusy. (2022, August 19). It’s worth school staff being aware of the name Andrew Tate at the start of the new school year. With 11 Billion views on TikTok he is spouting dangerous misogynistic and homophobic abuse daily & some of his views are from boys as young as 13. X (Formerly Twitter). https://x.com/TeacherBusy/status/1556918792751562752

Amnesty Global Insights. (2017, November 20). Unsocial Media: The Real Toll of Online Abuse against Women. Medium; Amnesty Insights. https://medium.com/amnesty-insights/unsocial-media-the-real-toll-of-online-abuse-against-women-37134ddab3f4

binhwantstoeatoreo. (2025, February 16). Digital Citizenship and the Inequalities of Intersectionality. Tumblr. https://www.tumblr.com/binhwantstoeatoreo/775630170766950400/digital-citizenship-and-its-unequality-issues-of?source=share

Carter, P. (2023, May 8). Generations by Jean M. Twenge—Review and Reflections. IntoTheWord. https://intotheword.ca/view/generations-by-jean-m-twenge-review-and-reflections

Center on Extremism. (2024, January 3). Andrew Tate: Five Things to Know. Adl.org. https://www.adl.org/resources/article/andrew-tate-five-things-know

Chung, F. (2024, October 15). “Mental toughness” is “just toxic masculinity.” News; news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site. https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/health/mental-health/mens-mental-toughness-is-just-toxic-masculinity-rebranded-writer-jill-stark-says/news-story/71644c73f37558e8d6f17e13bfafe516

Dafaure, M. (2022). Memes, trolls and the manosphere: mapping the manifold expressions of antifeminism and misogyny online. European Journal of English Studies, 26(2), 236–254. https://doi.org/10.1080/13825577.2022.2091299

Dolan, E. W. (2023, April 12). Incels inhabit a desolate social environment and are more likely to internalize rejection, study finds. PsyPost - Psychology News. https://www.psypost.org/incels-tend-to-have-a-desolate-social-environment-and-are-more-likely-to-internalize-rejection-study-finds/

EKO. (2023). Suicide, Incels, and Drugs: How TikTok’s deadly algorithm harms kids. https://s3.amazonaws.com/s3.sumofus.org/images/eko_Tiktok-Report_FINAL.pdf

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Hall, R. (2025, March 19). Beyond Andrew Tate: the imitators who help promote misogyny online. The Guardian; The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/media/2025/mar/19/beyond-andrew-tate-the-imitators-who-help-promote-misogyny-online

Haslop, C., O’Rourke, F., & Southern, R. (2021). #NoSnowflakes: The toleration of harassment and an emergent gender-related digital divide, in a UK student online culture. Convergence: The International Journal of Research into New Media Technologies, 27(5), 1418–1438. https://doi.org/10.1177/1354856521989270

Hemmings, C. (2023, October 24). Why we should stop using “toxic masculinity” to describe male behaviour. M-Path | Men’s Mental Health & Masculinity Programmes. https://m-path.co.uk/toxic-masculinity/

Hogan, M. (2025, March 22). From the police to the prime minister: how Adolescence is making Britain face up to toxic masculinity. The Guardian; The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2025/mar/22/netflix-from-the-police-to-the-prime-minister-how-adolescence-is-making-britain-face-up-to-toxic-masculinity

Hope not Hate. (2023). Who is Andrew Tate? Hope Not Hate. https://hopenothate.org.uk/andrew-tate/

Internet Matters. (2023, September 27). New research sees favourable views towards Andrew Tate from both teen boys and young dads. Internet Matters. https://www.internetmatters.org/hub/press-release/new-research-sees-favourable-views-towards-andrew-tate-from-both-teen-boys-and-young-dads/#share_modal

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Sharp, J. (2022, August 28). Andrew Tate: The social media influencer teachers are being warned about. Sky News. https://news.sky.com/story/andrew-tate-the-social-media-influencer-teachers-are-being-warned-about-12679194

Solea, A. I., & Sugiura, L. (2023). Mainstreaming the Blackpill: Understanding the Incel Community on TikTok. European Journal on Criminal Policy and Research, 29(3), 311–336. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10610-023-09559-5

The View. (2025, March 20). Netflix’ “Adolescence” Show Examines Incel Culture. Youtube. https://youtu.be/PhP9t2WjQo4?si=eO0yTDRF_lHT8hyg

thenewsmovement. (2025). What does Adolescence tell us about incel culture. In TikTok. https://www.tiktok.com/@thenewsmovement/photo/7482821834631548190?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

Thepsourinthone, J., Dune, T., Liamputtong, P., & Arora, A. (2020). The Relationship between Masculinity and Internalized Homophobia Amongst Australian Gay Men. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(15). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17155475

Vallerga, M. (2024). Anti-gender ideology and the depiction of lesbians in the manosphere. Journal of Lesbian Studies, 28(3), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1080/10894160.2024.2352996

Wittenbrink, B., & Henly, J. R. (1996). Creating Social Reality: Informational Social Influence and the Content of Stereotypic Beliefs. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 22(6), 598–610. https://doi.org/10.1177/0146167296226005

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vanillacreamcones · 2 months ago

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Weaponized Victimhood: The Manosphere, "Snowflakes," and the Digital Battlefield

Have you ever experienced meeting a man who is in the “red pill” subculture?

A man who expressed their hatred toward women freely believes that women have things (sexually) that men want and control the man forcefully if they want to achieve those things (Van Valkenburgh, 2018).

Describing them already makes me mad actually.

However, this is one of the prominent examples of the dark side of social media, where social media has become a battleground where ideological conflicts play out in real-time, often escalating into harassment campaigns and mass outrage.

The manosphere...

The manosphere is an overlapped online network of men’s rights activists (MRAs), pick-up artists (PUAs), incels, and "red pill" communities that exemplify how digital spaces can foster organized aggression under the guise of victimhood (Rich & Bujalka, 2023). This phenomenon isn't just about men’s rights; it’s part of a broader trend where competing identities weaponize the language of oppression to legitimize their attacks.

Misandry, Feminism, and the Manufactured Crisis

A key rhetorical strategy in the manosphere is its invocation of misandry (hatred of men) (Rich & Bujalka, 2023). The term has evolved from niche online discussions to a "banner" under which men’s groups claim oppression by feminism. This reconfiguration is a deliberate attempt to co-opt the language of social justice to frame men as victims.

The most vitriolic views within the manosphere often attract the greatest focus (Marche, 2016).

Therefore, by mirroring feminist critiques of misogyny, manosphere communities reposition themselves not as aggressors but as the silenced and persecuted. This strategic victimhood has tangible effects as it fuels outrage, justifies harassment, and sustains a perpetual online conflict. Figures who challenge or critique the manosphere a.k.a feminists, journalists, and public figures often face doxing, cyberstalking, and mass brigading.

These aren’t random acts of hostility; they are networked campaigns in which individuals coordinate attacks to gain approval and status within their digital communities (Marwick & Caplan, 2018).

"Snowflakes" and the Paradox of Sensitivity

"Snowflakes" - a term to mock those deemed overly sensitive (Haslop et al., 2021). Original a term to mock Generation Z's will to speak up has been picked by the manosphere to abuse people on the internet, too.

"Such a snowflake."

Ironically, while the manosphere is using it simultaneously, they embodies the very traits it derides. The perpetual grievance over feminism, diversity initiatives, and changing gender norms reflects an inability to tolerate shifts in cultural power dynamics. Just as conservatives accuse progressives of seeking "safe spaces," the manosphere creates its own echo chambers, fiercely resistant to dissent.

This contradiction isn’t exclusive to men’s groups. Across the political spectrum, online actors weaponize victimhood to claim moral authority while actively engaging in harassment. Whether it's manosphere figures decrying feminist "censorship" or progressives calling out "problematic" voices, the result is the same digital warfare where harassment is rationalized as justified retaliation.

The Structural Problem of Digital Conflict

At its core, the issue is about the structural dynamics of social media. Platforms prioritize engagement, and nothing fuels engagement like conflict. The manosphere thrives because outrage is an algorithmic commodity, ensuring its content spreads widely and finds new recruits. Similarly, the framing of feminism as an existential threat ensures a steady stream of adversaries to attack.

The question, then, is not just how to counter harassment, but how to dismantle the digital structures that reward it. Addressing this requires moving beyond simplistic narratives of "good" versus "bad" actors. Instead, we need to interrogate how social media amplifies reactionary movements, incentivizes conflict, and blurs the line between genuine advocacy and organized hostility.

In the end, the manosphere is the symptom of a larger problem in which the internet is designed to reward outrage over discourse, conflict over resolution, and performative victimhood over meaningful activism.

References

Marche, S. (2016, April 14). Swallowing the Red Pill: a journey to the heart of modern misogyny. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/apr/14/the-red-pill-reddit-modern-misogyny-manosphere-men

Marwick, A. E., & Caplan, R. (2018). Drinking male tears: language, the manosphere, and networked harassment. Feminist Media Studies, 18(4), 543–559. https://doi.org/10.1080/14680777.2018.1450568

Van Valkenburgh, S. P. (2018). Digesting the Red Pill: Masculinity and Neoliberalism in the Manosphere. Men and Masculinities, 24(1), 1097184X1881611. https://doi.org/10.1177/1097184x18816118

#mda20009 #social media

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coochiequeens · 1 month ago

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Women aren't dating the men who hate women. Why the fuck is this a problem? Oh right because men still feel entitled to sex and will take their hatred out on random women.

By Rebekah Scanlan April 20, 2025

There are over 330,000 more women than men in Australia – but despite the dating pool inequity, there’s a growing number of single guys women will never pursue.

These undatable men are those who subscribe to the “red pill” notion, an alarming subculture that perpetuates a societal hatred against women by opposing feminist narratives and emphasising traditional gender roles.

The term originates from the 1999 film ‘The Matrix’, where the lead character is offered a choice between a red pill and a blue pill. The red pill symbolizes awakening to harsh realities, while the blue pill represents remaining happy, but ignorant.

The “red pill” notion that women want to avoid when dating originates from the 1999 film ‘The Matrix’, where the red pill symbolizes awakening to harsh realities, and the blue pill represents ignorance.Getty Images

Men’s rights activism have taken the “red pill” concept to represent a similar awakening to what they perceive as the true nature of society and gender relations.

These modern misogynists often come together online in a virtual space dubbed the “manosphere”, a collective of various digital communities promoting warped views on masculinity.

People found within the manosphere include men’s rights activists and incels, a group of heterosexual men who blame women and society for their lack of romantic success and who openly admit to “loathing” women for not sleeping with them.

While its easy to brush off the rise of mainstream misogyny as internet fodder, or a sensationalized storyline from a TV show, data shows it’s seeping into every corner of culture, from social media feeds to Aussie classrooms.

The disturbing rise in troubled men is something “Australians should be worried about”, warns Tarang Chawla, a vocal advocate for gender equality and an anti-violence campaigner.

“The rise of red pill culture and manosphere thinking isn’t just edgy internet banter – it’s leading to real-world harm,” he told news.com.au.

“At its core, it frames gender equality as this kind of threat and paints women as either being manipulative or lesser.

Instagram / @tarangchawla

“The rise of red pill culture and manosphere thinking isn’t just edgy internet banter – it’s leading to real-world harm,” Tarang Chawla, a vocal advocate for gender equality following the death of his sister, said “This normalizes misogyny and creates this culture where violence against women is excused, minimized, or even justified. Australians should be concerned.”

Chawla, whose sister Nikita was just 23 years old when her husband murdered her in a jealous rage in 2015, added that these “distorted” beliefs create a “dangerous” space for women to exist in.

“The idea that men are universally oppressed or that women only pursue wealthier men or a certain kind of man reinforces this toxic, adversarial view of gender that is pitting people against each other,” he said.

“When some men feel entitled to women’s attention but believe they’re being denied it due to a ‘rigged system,’ resentment builds.

And resentment, when mixed with entitlement and dehumanization, becomes a risk factor for violence.”

But while these groups grow and spread vitriol, women are using the internet to warn each other: “Beware of the red pill guy.”

One feminist social media user who dedicates her page to calling out male content creators spewing red pill ideology recently captioned one of her clips, “Don’t date or take relationship advice from these males”.

Others are sharing the moment they realized their other half had “swallowed the red pill”, with many revealing it caused the relationship to come to an end.

“These red pill guys have gotten out of hand,” one shared in an emotional video.

But who are these men and how can women spot them?

Melbourne psychologist Carly Dober said research shows some men are more “vulnerable” to the harmful ideology than others.

“Systemically, some young men feel they are being culturally left behind academically and professionally, with wages and jobs not as easy to access and the typical markers of adulthood (home ownership and procreation) more difficult or impossible to access compared to previous generations,” she told news.com.au.

"The idea that men are universally oppressed or that women only pursue wealthier men or a certain kind of man reinforces this toxic, adversarial view of gender that is pitting people against each other,” Chawla said.Getty Images/iStockphoto

“Women also have far more agency than previous generations and are educated, employed, and have more choice with how they spend their lives.

"The messaging from these red pilled communities often ignores systemic drivers of inequality and seduces men with simple but incorrect answers to these complex issues.

“Some men also already endorse antifeminism and anti-equality messaging and behavior, so this community can be a logical next move for them.”

Chawla, who recently became the safety advocate for popular dating app Bumble, said that even though the number of men subscribing to extreme misogyny ideology is on the rise – singles overwhelmingly want to date with consideration.

“96 percent of Gen Z want a respectful dating experience, and 95 percent believe dating apps should be taking action against bad behavior before it even starts,” he explained.

“That should tell us everything we need to know, people are actively seeking safer, more values-aligned spaces to connect.”

However, he said we can’t ignore that there is a “disconnect that is eroding trust”.

“Ask women, and they’ll tell you – they’ve met these men. They’ve dated them. They’ve blocked them.

“By pretending this is rare, we dismiss women’s experiences and ignore how widespread these beliefs have become, especially online. It’s leading to a breakdown in trust, where many women feel like they have to be on guard, even in romantic contexts.”

Ms Dober, who owns Melbourne’s Enriching Lives Psychology clinic, added: “This ideology is harmful to all of us, including men. Violating traditional masculinity norms can lead men to experience more depression and suicide, and this ideology needs to be seen as extreme and stamped out.”

#Incel #Red pill men #Tarang Chawla #Australia #Rest In Peace Nikita #Male violence #Male entitlement #Beware of the red pill guy #Listen to women #Women are saying this is a problem

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anything-bitesized · 2 months ago

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The Algorithm’s Love for Digital Conflict

Keywords: digital citizenship, online harassment, social media governance, platform accountability

Social media isn’t a town square. It’s a battleground masquerading as a forum. Platforms aren’t designed for civil discourse - they’re optimized for engagement, and nothing hooks users better than a good fight. Conflict isn’t a side effect. It’s the business model (Jenkins 2006). The more people argue, the longer they stay, the more ads they see. Everyone’s angry, but only the platform profits.

Digital spaces thrive on power struggles. It’s not just about who gets to speak - it’s about who gets heard. Social media governance claims to be neutral, but rules are dictated by corporate interests, state regulations, and decentralized moderation (Haslop, O’Rourke & Southern 2021). The result? A system where harassment is routine, outrage is currency, and moderation is inconsistent at best, weaponized at worst.

Certain groups bear the brunt of this imbalance. Plan International (2020) found that 59% of girls across 31 countries had experienced online harassment. Women, LGBTQ+ users, and racial minorities report higher levels of abuse, often with little platform intervention (Marwick & Caplan 2018). Meanwhile, bad actors manipulate reporting systems to silence dissent, reinforcing existing inequalities.

Online abuse isn’t an accident - it’s a predictable outcome of platform design. The manosphere, for instance, didn’t emerge in isolation; it was amplified by recommendation algorithms that push divisive content for engagement (Rich & Bujalka 2023). Figures like Andrew Tate didn’t rise to prominence despite their misogyny but because of it. Their rhetoric drives high engagement, making them algorithmic gold.

Moderation attempts, such as AI-driven content policing, fail to catch the nuance of harassment. Slurs might get flagged, but coordinated pile-ons, dog-whistling, and coded language slip through. Worse, enforcement is often selective. Studies show that marginalized users are disproportionately banned for calling out abuse, while harassers continue unchecked (Sundén & Paasonen 2019). The message is clear: the system isn’t broken; it’s working as intended.

Governments have tried to intervene. Australia’s Online Safety Act 2021 mandates content removal within 24 hours, but enforcement is patchy (eSafety Commissioner 2021). Platforms roll out PR-friendly initiatives - “Be Kind” campaigns, AI moderation promises - but fail to address systemic flaws. The reality? Real change rarely comes from the top down.

Instead, resistance is grassroots. Cyberfeminist movements use humor and counter-messaging to reclaim digital spaces (Dafaure 2022). Online communities document and expose abuse before it’s erased. Activists pressure advertisers, hitting platforms where it hurts - their revenue streams. Change isn’t a feature being rolled out in the next update; it’s something users have to fight for.

Social media conflict isn’t going anywhere. The real question is: who benefits? Right now, platforms profit from outrage while outsourcing the consequences to users. But awareness is growing, and so is resistance. Digital citizenship isn’t just about existing online—it’s about shaping online spaces before they shape us.

Because at the end of the day, logging off doesn’t stop the problem. It just hands the microphone to someone else.

Reference list

Dafaure, M. (2022). ‘Memes, trolls and the manosphere: Mapping the manifold expressions of antifeminism and misogyny online’, European Journal of English Studies, vol. 26, no. 2, pp. 236–254.

eSafety Commissioner. (2021). Online Safety Act 2021. Available at: https://www.esafety.gov.au.

Haslop, C., O’Rourke, F. & Southern, R. (2021). ‘#NoSnowflakes: The toleration of harassment and an emergent gender-related digital divide’, Convergence, vol. 27, no. 5, pp. 1418–1438.

Jenkins, H. (2006). Convergence Culture: Where Old and New Media Collide. New York University Press.

Marwick, A. E. & Caplan, R. (2018). ‘Drinking male tears: Language, the manosphere, and networked harassment’, Feminist Media Studies, vol. 18, no. 4, pp. 543–559.

Plan International. (2020). Free to Be Online? Girls’ and Young Women’s Experiences of Online Harassment. Available at: https://plan-international.org.

Rich, B. & Bujalka, E. (2023). ‘The draw of the ‘manosphere’: Understanding Andrew Tate’s appeal to lost men’, The Conversation, 13 February. Available at: https://theconversation.com.

Sundén, J. & Paasonen, S. (2019). ‘Inappropriate Laughter: Affective homophily and the unlikely comedy of #MeToo’, Social Media + Society. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1177/2056305119883425.

#mda20009 #conflict #cyber #online safety #social media #ethics #algorithm #algorithmic bias

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hothaonhi · 2 months ago

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Navigating the Digital Wild West: Are We Really Snowflakes?

We're all living more and more of our lives online, yet sometimes it feels less like a friendly neighborhood and more like a battleground. Lately, there's been this catchy but kinda insulting label thrown around: the 'snowflake generation' (Haslop et al., 2021, p.1418). The idea is that young folks, especially students, are too delicate and get offended by everything. But is that really the tea? 🤔

New research out of the University of Liverpool throws some serious shade on this 'snowflake' theory (Haslop et al., 2021, p.1418). Their study found that online harassment is so widespread among university students that many just see it as the 'norm' – something to be tolerated rather than challenged (Haslop et al., 2021, p.1424). Think about that for a second. Instead of being overly sensitive, could it be that we're actually becoming numb to online abuse?

This 'snowflake' narrative, pushed by some corners of the media and political sphere, might be intentionally diverting our attention from a much darker reality: the pervasive and damaging effects of online harassment, especially on those who identify as female and transgender (Haslop et al., 2021, p.1418). These are the folks who are disproportionately targeted, contributing to a gender-related digital divide that can silence voices and limit participation (Haslop et al., 2021, pp. 1427-1428). So, are we really snowflakes, or are we facing something much more systemic and serious in our digital world?

And let's dive into a darker corner of the internet: the manosphere. This is a network of blogs, podcasts, and forums that includes men's rights activists (MRAs) and anti-feminists (Marwick & Caplan, 2018, p.546). Researchers Marwick and Caplan highlight how these groups often use a shared language and narrative that portrays feminism as a movement that hates and victimizes men (Marwick & Caplan, 2018,p.544).

They focus on the term 'misandry' (hatred of men), arguing that within the manosphere, it's used to justify the networked harassment of feminists and anyone advocating for gender equality (Marwick & Caplan, 2018, p.550). By painting themselves as victims of 'misandry', they try to flip the script and silence those calling out actual inequality. It's a wild tactic, right?

Then, we saw the rise of #MeToo, a powerful wave of digital feminist activism (Reinicke, 2022, p.5). Social media became a vital space for survivors of sexual harassment to share their stories and find support (Pollino, 2021). Reinicke suggests that #MeToo has the potential to create real change in how we understand and address sexual harassment (Reinicke, 2022, p.4).

youtube

So, where do we go from here in this digital landscape? Here are some things to think about:

Should social media platforms be doing more to tackle harassment and moderate harmful content? What responsibilities do they have to us as users?

How can we push back against narratives that downplay online harassment, like the whole 'snowflake' thing?

What role can education play in helping us become better digital citizens and understand the real impact of our online words and actions?

How can men step up as better allies in challenging misogyny and online harassment? It's not just on women and marginalized folks to fix this!

What are your thoughts? What have you seen online? How can we make these digital spaces safer and more equitable for everyone? Share your stories!

References

Marwick, A. E., & Caplan, R. (2018). Drinking male tears: language, the manosphere, and networked harassment. Feminist Media Studies, 18(4), 543–559. https://doi.org/10.1080/14680777.2018.1450568

monstie69. (2024, July 7). Post by @monstie69 | 1 image. Tumblr. https://www.tumblr.com/monstie69/755381274345193474/let-there-be-chaos

Pollino, M. A. (2021). Turning points from victim to survivor: an examination of sexual violence narratives. Feminist Media Studies, 23(5), 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1080/14680777.2021.2006260

Reinicke, K. (2022). Introduction. Men after #MeToo, 1–24. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-96911-0_1

The #MeToo Movement. (n.d.). Www.youtube.com. Retrieved December 11, 2023, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnGY2fiqHt0Vogels, E. (2021, January 13). The state of online harassment. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2021/01/13/the-state-of-online-harassment/

#digital citizenship #online harassment #me too movement #social media #media #feminism #misandry #mda20009 #digital communities #Youtube

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mymdaassignment · 2 months ago

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Week 10 – Social Media Governance: Free Speech or Free-for-All?

════════════════════════════════════ ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　︶⊹︶︶୨୧︶︶⊹︶︶⊹︶︶୨୧︶︶⊹︶︶⊹︶︶୨୧︶︶⊹︶︶⊹

Social media platforms were supposed to be digital town squares, but instead, they’ve turned into battlegrounds for harassment, misinformation, and toxic online culture. Who should be responsible for keeping the internet safe? The platforms? Governments? Us?

The Digital Divide: Who Gets to Speak?

Online harassment isn’t random, it disproportionately affects women, LGBTQ+ users, and marginalized communities.

🔹 Haslop et al. (2021) found that UK student culture tolerates gendered harassment, creating a digital divide where some feel safe online and others don’t. 🔹 Marwick & Caplan (2018) unpack how the manosphere fuels harassment, from misogynistic memes to coordinated trolling.

Meanwhile, Plan International (2020) reports that 58% of young women worldwide have faced online abuse. Platforms say they "take action", but… do they really?

Resistance & The Rise of Digital Feminism

From Anita Sarkeesian’s feminist gaming critiques to artists turning harassment into memes, digital resistance is growing. 🔹 Vitis & Gilmour (2017) document how women use humor, art, and Instagram to push back against unsolicited explicit messages.🔹 Sundén & Paasonen (2019) explore #MeToo backlash, showing how mocking survivors became an unlikely form of internet comedy.

But while resistance is powerful, the burden is always on the victims and not the platforms enabling harassment.

The Manosphere & Radicalization Online

Why are figures like Andrew Tate so popular? Rich & Bujalkagence (2023) explain that the manosphere appeals to "lost men", offering community, purpose, and a scapegoat (usually feminism).

We’ve seen this before:

🔹 GamerGate (2014) – Targeted harassment disguised as "ethics in gaming journalism."

🔹 The Red Pill Movement – A "self-improvement" community that turns into misogyny and conspiracy theories.

🔹 Tate’s Hustler’s University – Marketed as "self-help", but really a pipeline into radical misogyny.

The problem? Social media algorithms boost this kind of content because controversy = engagement.

Who Governs the Internet?

Governments are finally stepping in, but their solutions aren’t perfect. 🔹 Australia’s Online Safety Act (2021) introduces faster takedowns for online abuse. 🔹 The eSafety Commissioner oversees platform accountability, but can one agency really regulate the whole internet?

The big question: Should social media be treated like a public utility? If so, who decides what’s "free speech" and what’s harm?

The Fight for a Safer Internet

Social media isn’t "just the internet" anymore. It’s where we work, protest, and exist. If platforms won’t fix the problem, governments (and users) have to step up.

Reference List

Marwick, A. E., & Caplan, R. (2018). Drinking male tears: Language, the manosphere, and networked harassment. Feminist Media Studies, 18(4), 543-559.

Plan International. (2020). Free to Be Online 2020 Report.

Rich, B., & Bujalkagence, E. (2023). The draw of the ‘manosphere’: Understanding Andrew Tate’s appeal to lost men. The Conversation.

Sundén, J., & Paasonen, S. (2019). Inappropriate laughter: Affective homophily and the unlikely comedy of #MeToo. Social Media + Society. https://doi.org/10.1177/2056305119883425

Vitis, L., & Gilmour, F. (2017). Dick pics on blast: A woman’s resistance to online sexual harassment using humour, art and Instagram. Crime, Media, Culture, 13(3), 335-355.

#mda20009

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puyen05 · 2 months ago

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The Online Safety Act 2021: Why Does Online Harassment Still Persist?

The rise of online harassment, cyberbullying, and harmful digital content has prompted governments worldwide to introduce stronger regulations. In Australia, the Online Safety Act 2021 was designed to protect individuals from online abuse by enforcing stricter content removal policies and holding platforms accountable. But nearly three years after its implementation, has it actually made the internet safer?

Before the Online Safety Act: A Digital Wild West

A 2020 report by Plan International, based on a survey of 14,000 girls across 31 countries, found that 59% had been targeted with abusive and insulting language online. A study by Gardiner et al. (2016) analyzing 70 million comments found that female journalists and writers experienced disproportionately high levels of online abuse, often forcing them to self-censor or leave digital platforms.

At the same time, communities like the "manosphere" fueled gendered harassment by promoting the idea that feminism was a threat to masculinity. Figures like Andrew Tate rose to prominence by normalizing online misogyny, further emboldening digital abuse.

For more insights into the manosphere’s influence, check out this article:

Despite repeated calls for action, social media companies were slow to respond, often allowing harmful content to remain online due to vague content moderation policies and the difficulty of enforcing bans on anonymous users.

What Is the Online Safety Act 2021?

The Online Safety Act 2021 expands the powers of Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, allowing it to:

Require online platforms to remove harmful content within 24 hours or face penalties.

Regulate abusive behaviors, including cyberbullying, image-based abuse (revenge porn), and serious adult cyber abuse.

Crack down on big tech companies that fail to comply with safety standards.

But, Has Online Harassment Disappeared?

Due to the Act’s implementation, the eSafety Commissioner has removed thousands of harmful posts and pressured tech companies to strengthen anti-harassment policies. Despite these improvements, online harassment has not disappeared, and in many ways, it remains just as rampant as before. Since:

Social media platforms still allow anonymity, making it difficult to hold perpetrators accountable.

Harmful content is often removed only after it has gone viral, rather than being proactively prevented.

Global platforms, local laws

These challenges echo concerns Haslop et al. (2021) raised about the lack of real accountability in digital spaces, where social media companies often prioritize engagement over safety.

Laws Alone Cannot Fix Online Harassment

While legal measures help regulate online abuse, real change depends on how users engage with digital spaces. According to Heath (2018), digital citizenship involves more than just following rules; it requires active participation in promoting respectful online behavior.

For example, in 2022, TikTok faced backlash for failing to moderate misogynistic content from Andrew Tate. After public pressure, including mass reporting and demands from advocacy groups, TikTok eventually banned Tate’s account, setting a precedent for stricter enforcement of anti-harassment policies. This demonstrates how users can push platforms to take responsibility.

The Online Safety Act 2021 is a step forward, but online harassment persists. To create a safer internet, both governments and users must take greater responsibility in combating digital abuse.

References

Australasian Legal Information Institute. (2021). Online Safety Act 2021. https://classic.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/osa2021154/

Gardiner, B., Mansfield, M., Anderson, I., Holder, J., Louter, D., & Ulmanu, M. (2016, April 12). The dark side of Guardian comments. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/apr/12/the-dark-side-of-guardian-comments

Heath, M. K. (2018). What kind of (digital) citizen? The International Journal of Information and Learning Technology, 35(5), 342–356. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijilt-06-2018-0067

Plan International. (2020). State of the World’s Girls 2020: Free to Be Online?.

#mda20009 #digital communities #week 10 #online harassment #cyberbullying #woman

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treingv · 7 months ago

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The Realities of Online Harassment: How Can We Address It?

In the digital age, social media has become a powerful tool for connection, activism, and self-expression. However, it also has a darker side—online harassment. This widespread issue affects countless users, especially women and marginalized communities, creating a toxic online environment. Let's explore why online harassment persists and what we can do to make digital spaces safer.

Marwick and Caplan analyze how harassment is often networked, particularly targeting feminists and women in public spheres. The term "manosphere" refers to a collection of online communities, including men’s rights activists, pickup artists, and anti-feminists. These groups coordinate harassment tactics like doxing, social shaming, and spreading misogynistic rhetoric. The concept of "misandry" is often misused in these circles to frame feminism as hostile towards men, justifying their harassment campaigns. (Marwick & Caplan, 2018)

The study highlights examples like Gamergate, where coordinated online abuse targeted women in the video game industry. This networked behavior not only perpetuates misogyny but also normalizes it within certain digital communities.

Haslop et al.'s research focuses on the UK university context, exploring how young people, particularly women and transgender students, experience online harassment. The study challenges the stereotype of the "snowflake generation" being overly sensitive. Instead, it shows that many students tolerate harassment as part of their digital experience, especially in peer-to-peer interactions. (Haslop, O’Rourke & Southern, 2021)

Marwick and Caplan (2018) argue that networked harassment by the manosphere, including tactics like doxing and social shaming, demonstrates a coordinated effort to suppress feminist voices and reinforce misogynistic ideologies.

What Can Be Done? Addressing online harassment requires a multi-faceted approach:

Stronger Regulations: Governments need to enforce laws that protect users from online abuse, such as the Online Safety Act 2021 in Australia, which forces platforms to remove harmful content promptly.

Platform Accountability: Social media companies must invest in better moderation tools and policies to reduce the spread of hate speech.

Community Support: Users can play a role by reporting abusive content and supporting those affected.

What Can Be Done? Addressing online harassment requires a multi-faceted approach:

Platform Accountability: Social media companies must invest in better moderation tools and policies to reduce the spread of hate speech.

Community Support: Users can play a role by reporting abusive content and supporting those affected.

What Can Be Done? Addressing online harassment requires a multi-faceted approach:

Platform Accountability: Social media companies must invest in better moderation tools and policies to reduce the spread of hate speech.

Community Support: Users can play a role by reporting abusive content and supporting those affected.

Reference list

Haslop, C, O’Rourke, F & Southern, R 2021, ‘#NoSnowflakes: The toleration of harassment and an emergent gender-related digital divide, in a UK student online culture’, Convergence: The International Journal of Research into New Media Technologies, vol. 27, no. 5, pp. 1418–1438.

Marwick, AE & Caplan, R 2018, ‘Drinking male tears: language, the manosphere, and networked harassment’, Feminist Media Studies, vol. 18, no. 4, pp. 543–559, viewed <https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14680777.2018.1450568>.

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formaianhassignment · 7 months ago

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Week 10: Digital Citizenship and Conflict: Social Media Governance

The rise of social media has brought empowerment, but it has also amplified significant challenges, particularly in the realm of online harassment. This pervasive issue has created a gendered digital divide, disproportionately affecting women, transgender individuals, and other marginalized communities. As someone who frequently engages in online spaces, I see daily how this harassment plays out—whether through subtle exclusion or direct threats.

Online harassment takes many forms, from verbal abuse to coordinated campaigns that target individuals based on gender, race, or other personal attributes. Marwick and Caplan (2018) discuss how harassment can become a coordinated effort, with groups like the “manosphere” using tactics such as doxing, shaming, and cyberbullying to silence feminists and women online (Marwick & Caplan 2018). This “networked harassment” is particularly troubling because it normalizes misogyny and discourages women from fully participating in digital spaces, undermining the ideals of digital citizenship.

Similarly, online harassment is so normalized within certain communities that victims often feel it’s just part of the online experience (Haslop, O’Rourke & Southern 2021). This normalization contributes to a gendered digital divide, where women and gender-nonconforming individuals are disproportionately affected and may limit their digital engagement due to fears of harassment.

Young women are especially vulnerable to online harassment, as highlighted in Plan International’s Free to Be Online report (2020), which surveyed over 14,000 girls across 31 countries. The report found that more than half of these girls experienced online harassment, which often led to self-censorship and fear for their physical safety(Plan International 2023). Personally, I’ve seen younger family members retreat from sharing their passions—whether art, writing, or simply personal thoughts—due to negative comments. This self-censorship restricts their ability to fully engage with online communities, limiting their digital citizenship.

In addition to self-censorship, online harassment can lead to broader psychological effects. Research shows that victims often experience anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, further deterring them from digital participation (Megarry 2014). This exclusionary effect highlights the need for supportive measures that encourage young women to re-engage with digital spaces safely.

Addressing this digital divide requires both legal reforms and cultural shifts. Many countries, including Germany and Australia, have enacted laws to combat online harassment by requiring platforms to remove harmful content promptly. However, legal solutions alone are insufficient. Social media companies should actively engage in advocacy, educate users about reporting mechanisms, and implement better content moderation strategies to protect users(Vitis & Gilmour 2016).

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives are also essential. Brands and social media platforms must recognize their role in creating safer online spaces. For example, brands that work with influencers should provide them with support resources to handle online abuse and publicly stand against harassment to show solidarity with affected individuals (Crowther & Rayman-Bacchus 2004). I’ve seen brands do this well by publicly supporting influencers who are targets of harassment, sending a message of solidarity and showing that they value a respectful community. This public support can go a long way in promoting a healthier digital environment.

The issue of online harassment is a pressing concern that limits digital citizenship for many marginalized groups, particularly women and gender-diverse individuals. Creating a safer digital space requires a multifaceted approach, combining legal frameworks, platform accountability, and community support. By addressing these challenges, we can move closer to a more inclusive and empowering digital environment where everyone feels free to participate.

REFERENCES: Crowther, D & Rayman-Bacchus, L 2004, Perspectives on Corporate Social Responsibility, Gower Publishing Company, Limited.

Haslop, C, O’Rourke, F & Southern, R 2021, “#NoSnowflakes: The toleration of harassment and an emergent gender-related digital divide, in a UK student online culture,” Convergence the International Journal of Research Into New Media Technologies, vol. 27, no. 5, pp. 1418–1438, viewed <https://doi.org/10.1177/1354856521989270>.

Marwick, AE & Caplan, R 2018, “Drinking male tears: language, the manosphere, and networked harassment,” Feminist Media Studies, vol. 18, no. 4, pp. 543–559, viewed <https://doi.org/10.1080/14680777.2018.1450568>.

Megarry, J 2014, “Online incivility or sexual harassment? Conceptualising women’s experiences in the digital age,” Women S Studies International Forum, vol. 47, pp. 46–55, viewed <https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wsif.2014.07.012>.

“State of the World’s Girls 2020: Free to Be Online? - Plan International” 2023, Plan International, viewed <https://plan-international.org/publications/free-to-be-online/>.

Vitis, L & Gilmour, F 2016, “Dick pics on blast: A woman’s resistance to online sexual harassment using humour, art and Instagram,” Crime Media Culture an International Journal, vol. 13, no. 3, pp. 335–355, viewed <https://doi.org/10.1177/1741659016652445>.

#SOCIAL MEDIA #social media governance #online harassment #manosphere

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long121203 · 10 months ago

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Week 10: Online Harassment and Social Media Management: Who is Responsible?

Online harassment is a serious issue that can have a devastating impact on victims. It can take many forms, including cyberbullying, cyberstalking, doxing, and revenge porn. Online harassment frequently follows a gendered pattern, disproportionately targeting women and LGBTQ+ individuals. One of the problems with addressing online harassment is that it is often difficult to determine who is responsible. Is it the individual perpetrators? Does the harassment occur on specific platforms? Or is it society as a whole?

In this blog post, we will explore the different perspectives on who is responsible for online harassment. We'll also share some challenges and solutions to this issue.

The Role of the Individual Perpetrator

There is no doubt that individual perpetrators are responsible for their actions. They are the ones who choose to engage in harassing behavior. However, it is important to understand that online harassment is often not simply the result of a few undesirable apples. It is often the result of a culture that tolerates and even encourages this behavior.

(Marwick & Caplan 2018) discuss the networked and coordinated nature of online harassment. For instance, numerous cases of online harassment against women have been linked to the "manosphere," a loose network of online communities that promote misogyny and male supremacy. The world has created a culture where it is acceptable to harass and threaten women online (Vitis & Gilmour 2016). Misogynistic language and the sharing of harmful content perpetuate this culture.

Social media platforms and their role

Social media platforms also play a role in online harassment. These platforms provide a space for harassers to connect with and target their victims. They also amplify the reach of harassing content. For example, algorithms can recommend harassing content to users who are likely to be interested in it. Users may experience a "filter bubble," where they only encounter content that confirms their preexisting beliefs.

Social media platforms have a responsibility to protect their users from harassment. However, they often fail to do so. This is because they are not incentivized to take action against harassment, which is good for business. It can keep users engaged on the platform, generating more clicks and views.

As Heath (2018) points out, the current definition of digital citizenship used by many educational technology organizations focuses on safety and responsibility. However, this definition does not go far enough in addressing the issue of online harassment. It does not challenge the power structures that allow harassment to flourish.

The Role of Society

Society as a whole also plays a role in online harassment. We live in a culture that is still very much patriarchal. This means that women and other marginalized groups are often seen as less than men. This inequality is reflected in the way that women are treated online.

We also live in an increasingly polarized culture. This means that people are more likely to see the world in black-and-white terms. This can lead to a lack of empathy for people who are different from us. This lack of empathy can make it easier to engage in harassing behavior.

Solutions

There is no easy solution to the problem of online harassment. However, several things can be done to address this issue.

Educate young people about online harassment. As Haslop et al. (2021) argue, it is important to educate young people about the different forms of online harassment and the potential consequences of this behavior. This education should start at a young age and continue throughout adulthood.

Hold social media platforms accountable. Social media platforms need to be held accountable for the harassment that takes place on their platforms. This means that they need to be more transparent about how they moderate content and take action against harassers.

Change the culture. We need to change the culture that tolerates and even encourages online harassment. This means that we need to challenge misogynistic and other harmful attitudes. We also need to promote empathy and understanding.

Online harassment is a complex issue with no easy solutions. However, by understanding the different factors that contribute to this problem, we can start to develop effective solutions. We all have a role to play in creating a safer and more inclusive online environment.

References

Heath, MK 2018, ‘What kind of (digital) citizen?’, The International Journal of Information and Learning Technology, vol. 35, no. 5, pp. 342–356.

Marwick, AE & Caplan, R 2018, ‘Drinking male tears: language, the manosphere, and networked harassment’, Feminist Media Studies, vol. 18, no. 4, pp. 543–559.

Vitis, L & Gilmour, F 2016, ‘Dick pics on blast: A woman’s resistance to online sexual harassment using humour, art and Instagram’, Crime, Media, Culture: An International Journal, vol. 13, no. 3, pp. 335–355.

#mda20009 #social media #online harassment

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capyboba-down-the-rabbit-hole · 1 year ago

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8th Stop: Everything on the Internet are Networked, Even Hating Women

Networked hatred and harassment

Harassment has been defined as:

Being called offensive names, being embarrassed online, being physically threatened online, being sexually harassed online, being harassed over a long time, being hurt online by a romantic partner, being impersonated, spreading damaging rumors online, encouraging others to harass you online, and attempting to hurt the victim in person after online harassment (Lenhart et al., 2016)

According to this definition, harassment encompasses a wide spectrum, ranging from minor incidents like name-calling to severe forms of abuse. Nonetheless, pinpointing the exact boundaries of harassment is challenging due to its multifaceted and evolving nature. Ongoing debates persist regarding the interpretation of sexual harassment, with its definition being heavily influenced by contextual factors. As a result, there is often a lack of consensus on what constitutes sexual harassment, as perceptions of it can vary greatly among individuals (Fairchild 2010, p.194). Furthermore, sexual harassment is both a manifestation of and a contributor to gender inequality, adding layers of complexity to its identification. Determining where acceptable behavior ends and harassment begins is not always straightforward, as power dynamics and definitions are intricately intertwined.

Regardless of the specific definition of harassment, research indicates that women, particularly those from marginalized communities such as women of color and queer women, face heightened vulnerability to online harassment. Negative behaviors are more likely to be perceived as harassment by women, to the extent that some young women consider it a normative aspect of their online interactions (Lenhart et al. 2016; Vitak et al. 2017). This trend extends to women occupying public roles, such as journalists and politicians, who commonly experience online harassment (Barton & Storm 2014; Krook 2017). Consequently, harassment serves as a means to regulate women's online conduct and may deter their active engagement in both online and offline public spheres.

Scholars in feminist studies have coined various terms like "online hate," "e-bile," "gender trolling," and "online misogyny" to illuminate how online behaviors perpetuate structural sexism and violence against women (Banet-Weiser & Miltner 2016; Citron 2014; Fairbairn 2015; Franks 2012; Jane 2014; Mantilla 2013). Regardless of the specific targets or circumstances, much of the harassment directed at women online centers around their gender, manifesting in forms such as sexist language, pornographic content, and threats of sexual violence. Banet-Weiser and Miltner introduced the term "networked misogyny" to underscore the coordinated and organized nature of such behavior, highlighting its systemic and pervasive nature.

“We don’t usually think of online harassment as a social activity, but we do know from the strategies and tactics that they used that they were not working alone, that they were actually loosely coordinating with one another. The social component is a powerful motivating factor that works to provide incentives for perpetrators to participate and to actually escalate the attacks by earning the praise and approval of their peers” - Sarkeesian, in a passionate talk at TedWomen, explained how the “cyber mob” targeting her worked in a gamified context.

This networked misogyny frequently finds organization within subcultural online hubs like Reddit, 4Chan, and chat rooms, where participants collaboratively portray feminists like Sarkeesian as antagonists or "villains." In these spaces, such depictions serve to rationalize and justify the harassing conduct, often granting those involved a sense of moral superiority (Jhaver, Chan, & Bruckman 2018).

Where does this point of view come from, and how is it perpetrated online?

The Manosphere: A Collection of Lonely Modern Men

The Men’s Rights Movement (MRM) traces its origins back to the early 1970s when college-age men engaged with the emerging Women’s Liberation movement (Fox 2004; Messner 1998). Initially, scholars within this movement, such as Warren Farrell, Marc Fasteau, and Jack Nichols, acknowledged the harm caused by sexism towards women but also highlighted the negative impact of strict gender roles and patriarchal society on men (Coston & Kimmel 2012). Early literature from the "Men’s Liberation" era addressed issues like emotional stoicism, unequal child support obligations, male-only draft requirements, and the societal pressures of traditional male masculinity (Shire 2013).

However, a faction within the Men’s Rights Movement, known as Men’s Rights Activists (MRAs), veered away from these original ideals. They contended that white men in America were facing a crisis, attributing the perceived decline of American culture to feminism and liberalism (Bean 2007). This perspective emerged amidst significant geopolitical and socioeconomic changes of the 1980s, marked by events like Reaganomics in the US and Thatcherism in the UK, which led to social upheaval (Faludi 1991; Kennedy 1996). The contemporary men’s rights movement reflects a reaction to the diminishing social status of cisgender white men and the rise of feminist and multicultural activism, positioning itself in opposition to feminism while ostensibly advocating for men’s rights (Allan 2016).

The manosphere encompasses various groups, including Men’s Rights Activists (MRAs), pickup artists, Men Going Their Own Way (MGOW), incels (involuntary celibates), father’s rights activists, and others. Despite their diversity, these groups share a central belief that society is dominated by feminine values, which they perceive as suppressed by feminists and "political correctness." They argue that men must resist what they see as an overreaching, misandrist culture to safeguard their existence (Marwick & Lewis 2017).

In the context of the #MeToo movement, opinions diverge widely. While some view #MeToo as a significant stride for feminism, likening it to a rewriting of history and a pivotal moment for gender equality akin to women gaining the right to vote, others criticize it as an unjustified vilification, character assassination, and witch-hunt against men. They fear that #MeToo risks demonizing all men and undermining their legal rights.

However, despite the contentious perspectives on women presented within the manosphere, it also provides explanations for and proposed solutions to real challenges faced by young men. Data reveals alarming trends such as men falling behind in education engagement and outcomes, along with a notable rise in young male economic inactivity over the past two decades (Rich & Bujalka 2023).

The manosphere resonates with its audience because it addresses the tangible struggles experienced by young men, including romantic rejection, alienation, economic hardship, loneliness, and a doom outlook on the future. These shared experiences unify them and propel them towards the shared goal of undermining feminism.

How Can You Be a Better Man?

Although digital misogyny is networked, it originates from individuals' deeply ingrained anxieties and fears, which tend to spread to others. Therefore, what steps can we take to improve the situation?

Encourage discussions and initiatives that promote healthy expressions of masculinity

Offer community support

Promote education on gender equality and empathy-building programs

Increase access to mental health services and destigmatize seeking help for mental health issues among men

Encourage critical engagement with ideologies propagated within the manosphere

Reference

Allan, JA 2015, ‘Phallic Affect, or Why Men’s Rights Activists Have Feelings’, Men and Masculinities, vol. 19, no. 1, pp. 22–41.

Banet-Weiser, S & Miltner, KM 2015, ‘#MasculinitySoFragile: culture, structure, and networked misogyny’, Feminist Media Studies, vol. 16, no. 1, pp. 171–174.

Barton, A & Storm, H 2014, Violence and Harassment against Women in the News Media: a Global Picture - IWMF, www.iwmf.org, International Women’s Media Foundation, DC.

Bean, K 2007, Post-Backlash Feminism, McFarland, North Carolina.

Coston, B & Kimmel, M 2013, ‘White Men as the New Victims: Reverse Discrimination Cases and the Men’s Rights Movement’, Nevada Law Journal, vol. 13, no. 2, viewed 10 April 2024, https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/White-Men-as-the-New-Victims%3A-Reverse-Cases-and-the-Coston-Kimmel/a3039c71bcf6c2573d5dd8066f3e3973c1eb9454.

Danielle Keats Citron 2016, Hate Crimes in Cyberspace, Harvard University Press, MA. Fairbairn, J 2015, ‘Rape Threats and Revenge Porn: Defining Sexual Violence in the Digital Age’, in VM Steeves & J Bailey (eds), EGirls, ECitizens, University Of Ottawa Press, Ottawa, Ontario.

Fairchild, K 2010, ‘Context Effects on Women’s Perceptions of Stranger Harassment’, Sexuality & Culture, vol. 14, no. 3, pp. 191–216.

Faludi, S 1991, Backlash: the Undeclared War against American Women, Three Rivers Press, New York.

Fox, J 2004, ‘How Men’s Movement Participants View Each Other’, The Journal of Men’s Studies, vol. 12, no. 2, pp. 103–118.

Franks, MA 2009, Sexual Harassment 2.0, Ssrn.com, viewed 10 April 2024, https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=1492433.

Jane, EA 2012, ‘“Your a Ugly, Whorish, Slut”’, Feminist Media Studies, vol. 14, no. 4, pp. 531–546.

Jhaver, S, Chan, L & Bruckman, A 2018, ‘The view from the other side: The border between controversial speech and harassment on Kotaku in Action’, First Monday.

Kennedy, L 1996, ‘Alien Nation: White Male Paranoia and Imperial Culture in the United States’, Journal of American Studies, vol. 30, no. 1, pp. 87–100.

Krook, ML 2017, ‘Violence Against Women in Politics’, Journal of Democracy, vol. 28, no. 1, pp. 74–88.

Lenhart, A, Ybarra, ML, Zickuhr, K & Price-Feeney, M 2016, Online Harassment, Digital Abuse, and Cyberstalking in America, Data & Society Research Institute, New York.

Lewis, B & Marwick, AE 2017, Media Manipulation and Disinformation Online, Data & Society.

Mantilla, K 2013, ‘Gendertrolling: Misogyny Adapts to New Media’, Feminist Studies, vol. 39, no. 2, pp. 563–570.

MESSNER, MA 1998, ‘The Limits of “The Male Sex Role”’, Gender & Society, vol. 12, no. 3, pp. 255–276.

Rich, B & Bujalka, E 2023, The draw of the ‘manosphere’: understanding Andrew Tate’s appeal to lost men, The Conversation.

Shire, E 2013, A short guide to the Men’s Rights Movement, theweek.com.

Vitak, J, Chadha, K, Steiner, L & Ashktorab, Z 2017, ‘Identifying Women’s Experiences With and Strategies for Mitigating Negative Effects of Online Harassment’, in Proceedings of the 2017 ACM Conference on Computer Supported Cooperative Work and Social Computing, OR: ACM, Portland.

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