The online ‘manosphere’ poses a real threat to society | Letter

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"Scholars Warn of Serious Risks Posed by the Manosphere Amid Ofcom Study"

The online ‘manosphere’ poses a real threat to society | Letter analysis cover image The Guardian 6.6
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Original Article Source: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/jun/25/the-online-manosphere-poses-a-real-threat-to-society
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TruthLens AI Summary

The concept of the 'manosphere' has garnered significant attention in academic circles, highlighting its potential dangers to society. In a recent study commissioned by Ofcom, 39 interviews were conducted with individuals who have interacted with manosphere content. While this research is a step in addressing online safety, it raises concerns regarding the representativeness of the sample. Specifically, those with extreme views may be less likely to participate, and the interviewees might present themselves in a more favorable light. This limitation casts doubt on the conclusions drawn regarding the overall societal impact of the manosphere, especially when the nuances of misogynistic attitudes are often downplayed or misinterpreted. The study's findings suggest that while traditional gender roles may be presented ambiguously, they still contribute to a broader culture of misogyny that cannot be easily dismissed or labeled as merely entertainment.

Critics argue that the findings of the Ofcom study and subsequent interpretations by media outlets like The Guardian do not adequately capture the full scope of the risks posed by the manosphere. The original report indicates a variety of risk factors linked to the potential for harm, which should not be overlooked. Misogyny, as a pervasive issue, often manifests in subtle ways that are challenging to identify and quantify. The call for a collaborative effort between Ofcom, academics, and safeguarding professionals emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach to tackle the implications of online misogyny effectively. Without acknowledging the seriousness of these risks, society may fail to develop adequate strategies to mitigate the harms associated with the manosphere. Therefore, it is crucial to approach this issue with diligence and a commitment to uncovering the deeper societal impacts that may arise from the normalization of misogynistic ideologies.

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Source URL: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/jun/25/the-online-manosphere-poses-a-real-threat-to-society

The harms associated with the “manosphere” have been addressed in lots of academic work, includingour own, and it is encouraging to see Ofcom – tasked with making online platforms comply with the law on online safety – take an interest. However, having read Ofcom’s research and the Guardian’s article on it (Society may have overestimated risk of the ‘manosphere’, UK researchers say, 13 June), we wish to stress that the manosphere poses a very real risk to society and that underestimating the problem will only contribute to it.

Theresearch consistedof 39 interviews with people who have seen and/or created manosphere content. While there is value in such a study, both Ofcom and the Guardian acknowledge that those with more extreme views may refuse to participate. Interviewees may also aim to present themselves, and their community, in a more positive light, downplaying misogynistic views.

Interviewees’ claims – such as finding “entertainment” in the videos ofAndrew Tate– were not questioned by the Ofcom study. Promoting traditional gender roles and discussing perceived immutable differences between men and women was also seen as merely “ambiguous[ly]” misogynistic. But misogyny is more than explicitly declaring to hate women.

The article’s headline uses the results of a small-scale study to draw conclusions about “society” as a whole. This is untenable; indeed, the original report states that findings “point to a range of risk factors that may increase the likelihood of harm”. That the harm has been overestimated appears to be the interpretation of the managing director of the research agency, who spoke separately to the Guardian.

Online misogyny and its mainstreaming is apervasive issuethat is difficult to identify and monitor, and requires a whole-society solution. Ofcom should work with academics and safeguarding professionals: together, we have a chance to address the risks posed by the manosphere – but only if they are taken seriously.Prof Veronika KollerLancaster University,Dr Jessica AistonQueen Mary University London,Dr Alexandra KrendelUniversity of Southampton,Dr Mark McGlashanUniversity of Liverpool

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Source: The Guardian