The online ‘manosphere' poses a real threat to society
The harms associated with the 'manosphere' have been addressed in lots of academic work, including our 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.
The research consisted of 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 of Andrew 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 a pervasive issue that 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 Koller Lancaster University, Dr Jessica Aiston Queen Mary University London, Dr Alexandra Krendel University of Southampton, Dr Mark McGlashan University of Liverpool
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