Why is News :
- UN Women has issued a warning about the alarming rise of online misogyny, driven by the growing influence of the “manosphere”—a loosely connected online network promoting distorted masculinity and anti-feminist ideologies.
- The manosphere, once limited to fringe internet forums, is now impacting schoolyards, relationships, politics, and gender norms globally.
What is the Manosphere?
- A loosely connected network of online communities that promote misogynistic, anti-feminist, and hyper-masculine narratives.
- Includes influencers offering content on dating, self-improvement, and fatherhood, often laced with sexist, provocative, and victimhood narratives targeted at young men.
United in their portrayal of:
- Feminism as dangerous
- Women as manipulative
- Men as victims of modern social change
Key Reasons for the Rise
Insecurity and Validation Seeking:
- Many young boys and men seek self-assurance and guidance online.
- Influencers in the manosphere provide a sense of “strength” but promote toxic views.
Algorithm Amplification:
- Social media platforms reward provocative and polarizing content, increasing visibility of extreme messages.
Anonymity and Echo Chambers:
- Anonymity allows hate speech to flourish without accountability.
- Online echo chambers reinforce distorted beliefs, leading to real-world consequences.
Impact on Society
Mental Health and Wellbeing:
- Both girls and boys are affected by toxic gender narratives, leading to anxiety, aggression, and self-worth issues.
Suppression of Women’s Voices:
- Women journalists, activists, and politicians are increasingly withdrawing from digital spaces due to online threats.
Radicalization Link:
- Some perpetrators of mass violence and hate crimes were previously active in such online communities, showing a direct link between online misogyny and offline violence.
Threat to Democracy:
- Misogyny normalizes discrimination and undermines values of equality, creating divisive politics and intolerance.
UN Women’s Response: Rights-Based Approach
Scaling efforts globally through:
- Research and data collection on the spread and impact of online hate.
- Policy advocacy for platform regulation and digital safety.
- Support services for survivors of online abuse.
- Public education campaigns to counter toxic masculinity.
- Youth programs promoting digital resilience and gender equality.
- Media accountability in addressing normalization of misogyny.
Need for Education and Prevention
- Long-term change must begin in schools, families, and communities.
Children and adolescents must be taught:
- Gender equality
- Healthy relationships
- Digital citizenship and responsibility
- Early intervention can prevent harmful ideologies from taking root.
| UPSC Relevance GS1 – Society: Social empowerment, role of digital platforms in shaping gender norms GS2 – Governance: Regulatory role of state and international bodies in online safety, women’s rights GS4 – Ethics: Attitude formation, empathy, gender sensitivity, digital ethics Possible Mains Questions Q. The rise of the online manosphere poses a serious threat to gender equality and democratic values. Discuss with examples. |