When it comes to trolls, slimes, and other hostile subcultures, people often assume the real danger is a few isolated individuals flinging insults online. The stereotype is a dreary room, bags of chips, and a handful of followers spewing misogynistic conspiracy theories. Yet a prominent researcher argues that the true threat lies in a wider movement whose ideology seeps into the youngest corners of society, shaping attitudes long before they reach adulthood.
Consider the phenomenon of highly visible figures promoting misogynistic ideas. Videos praising abusive behavior toward women circulate rapidly on large platforms, amassing billions of views—figures that dwarfed the Earth’s population. Critics contend that this content is not only inappropriate but also highly lucrative, and they question the ethics of allowing it to propagate unchecked on mainstream networks.
A world split between high-status myths and economic realities
Why is this issue not limited to a fringe group? The discussion in recent analyses shows a spectrum of seemingly respectable adults who harbor deeply misogynistic beliefs. It highlights how online ecosystems—videos, channels, podcasts, forums, and chatrooms—amplify and normalize extreme ideas. A common claim suggests that a small subset of men monopolizes romantic and sexual opportunities, while others who are less attractive end up subsidizing those fantasies by supporting stable, money-driven arrangements. The narrative paints relationships as battles of status rather than mutual respect.
From here, a broader worldview emerges that layers social hierarchies onto intimate life. Terms like “alpha” and “beta” are used to describe supposed sexual and economic roles, while subcultures further segment people by height, hair color, or baldness. Some groups extend into racialized or ethnic labels, creating terminology such as “ethnicels” that map to perceived differences in dating success along racial or ethnic lines.
Youth radicalization
The danger appears not as a joke when it reaches young people. Researchers noted this a few years back after meeting many young people in schools who had absorbed conspiratorial ideas from the manosphere, alongside familiar myths about feminism, pay gaps, and gender roles. The belief that feminism has gone too far circulates widely, and parents and teachers often miss how deeply it has penetrated adolescence. The concern is not a marginal trend but a growing invasion of extreme ideas that could shape behavior for decades. The worry centers on long-term societal effects and the difficulty of detecting a process that resembles radicalization in its invisibility.
Why is it so hard to name men who hate women? A widespread fear of offending people makes blanket statements risky, and the reflexive denial that “not all men” exist persists. In some places, violence against women has become normalized through a grim daily rhythm, underscoring the need for urgent action. Consider the stark statistic that a very large share of mass murderers in certain regions are men, which prompts critical questions about underlying factors and how to address them without stigmatizing entire groups.
Is misogynistic violence a form of terrorism?
Scholars argue that the international definition of terrorism includes acts aimed at spreading fear and enforcing ideological control. When misogynistic violence occurs, it functions in the same way as terrorism by sowing fear and suppressing targeted communities. There have been high-profile cases where violence against women was not pursued with the same urgency as other crimes, raising questions about how cases are prioritized in investigation and prosecution. The concern is not only the act itself but the message it sends to others who might be affected online and offline.
What can be done to help women cope with the hate they encounter online? Some advocates emphasize that the burden should not fall on women to modify their behavior to stay safe. Instead, there is a call for stronger regulation, clearer enforcement, and greater transparency across platforms. While platforms bear responsibility for moderating content, experts stress that lasting change requires structural action, not just personal precautions. The internet today reflects algorithms crafted decades ago, and a shift in design could reduce harm.
Everyday sexism
One decade ago, a campaign was launched to document instances of everyday sexism. The impetus came from a sequence of personal experiences in public spaces, from crowded buses to unsolicited remarks and troubling encounters. The goal was to highlight how ordinary moments contribute to a larger pattern of gender inequality. The realization that these experiences are not isolated but widespread proved transformative, prompting conversations with other women about the persistent nature of harassment in daily life.
The movement grew over years, gathering millions of references and voices. The ongoing volume of threats and harassment that publicly active figures receive illustrates the persistent risk faced by those who speak out. Even as most threats are empty or meant to intimidate, the impact is real, and security considerations become a constant part of public engagement. While the majority of antagonistic messages are attempts to frighten, they are treated seriously by those who study digital harassment and gender-based violence.