The United Nations has raised concerns about a growing online movement, known as the “manosphere,” which poses a threat to equality between genders.
According to the organization, the movement includes various websites, blogs, and forums that promote toxic masculinity, hostility towards women, and a negative view of feminism.
It says that with over 5.5 billion people online, mainly on social media, these digital platforms have become a central part of how we interact.
Unfortunately, they are also being used as tools to spread misogyny and hate, according to UN Women, the agency focused on promoting gender equality.
UN Women said that once limited to small, fringe communities on the internet, the manosphere has now reached into schools and workplaces, affecting personal relationships in the process.
Young men and boys often turn to online influencers for advice about dating and life, which can lead to unhealthy views about gender roles.
Kalliopi Mingeirou, who works with UN Women, expressed her worry about young boys seeking validation online. In their quest for self-confidence, they often find communities that promote harmful attitudes towards women and distorting ideas of masculinity.
These online spaces take advantage of boys’ insecurities, leading them to share dismissive and often hateful messages about women.
The Movember Foundation, a men’s health organization partnering with UN Women, found that many young men regularly engage with influencers who talk about masculinity.
While some provide real support, much of the content promotes negative stereotypes and the idea that men are victims of feminism.
The latest UN report on violence against women shows that groups in the manosphere increasingly reject feminism and depict women as dangerous or manipulative.
Social media algorithms often promote this type of provocative content, which spreads quickly due to anonymity.
Mingeirou highlights that this harmful messaging impacts both girls and boys.
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The way boys treat girls can severely affect their mental and physical health and also poses risks to the foundations of democracy.
Many women, including journalists and politicians, may choose to stay away from online platforms for fear of harassment and backlash.
Moreover, such stereotypes can create anxiety and harm boys and men as well. Mingeirou emphasizes the need for safe spaces where young people can seek help without being exposed to hurtful content.
As we celebrate 30 years of the Beijing Declaration for gender equality, UN Women warns that the increase in online misogyny threatens the progress made so far. In response, the UN is stepping up efforts to tackle these toxic online environments through various strategies.
Education is seen as a key tool to combat this harmful ideology. It is essential to talk to children and teenagers about gender equality, healthy relationships, and responsible behavior online.
Mingeirou emphasizes that this effort is not just about protecting girls; it’s about ensuring that both boys and girls can grow up free from harmful expectations regarding gender.
