Online Networks and Social Change

INTRODUCTION

The rise of online networks has fundamentally reshaped modern social discourse, enabling communities to form and expand in unprecedented ways. While many of these digital spaces foster and encourage positive engagement, such as the #MeToo movement of 2017 and the #BlackLivesMatter campaign of 2020, some have contributed to the proliferation of harmful ideologies. One of the most concerning developments in recent years has been the rapid growth of the “manosphere,” a loosely connected online ecosystem that promotes male supremacist beliefs and, in many cases, explicit misogyny. The manosphere includes communities such as Men’s Rights Activists (MRAs), ‘Men Going Their Own Way’ (MGTOW), pick-up artists (PUAs), and incels (Involuntary Celibates), many of which share overlapping grievances about gender roles, feminism, and male identity in contemporary society (Ribeiro et al, 2021). These online networks have not only normalised misogynistic rhetoric but have also served as a radicalisation pipeline for young men, with some individuals progressing from consuming seemingly benign self-improvement content to embracing extremist views that blame women for personal and societal problems (Habib et al, 2022). Far from being a fringe subculture, the manosphere has become a major force in contemporary discourse, shaping mainstream conversations on gender and influencing real-world attitudes and beliefs.

This paper argues that the manosphere has played a critical role in mainstreaming misogyny and radicalising young men through social media amplification, grievance-based narratives, and algorithmic reinforcements. Social media platforms, particularly Youtube, TikTok and Reddit, have facilitated the widespread dissemination of manosphere content, with algorithms promoting engagement by pushing users towards increasingly extreme content (Watson, 2023). The manosphere’s rhetoric often frames men as victims of a feminist-dominated society, fuelling resentment and reinforcing gender-based hostility. This has real-world consequences, influencing social attitudes towards gender equality, emboldening harassment campaigns, and in some cases, inspiring acts of violence linked to misogynistic extremism (Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund, 2022).

By analysing the structure of the manosphere, its pathways to radicalisation, and the real-world consequences of its rhetoric, this paper aims to contribute to the discussion on combating online misogyny. Addressing this issue requires not only platform regulation and policy intervention, but also the promotion of alternative narratives that provide young men with positive and constructive models of masculinity.

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The manosphere has evolved from a fragmented collection of niche forums into a broad and increasingly mainstream digital ecosystem that promotes male supremacist ideologies. Initially, the movement took shape in the 1990s and early 2000sin spaces dedicated to Men’s Rights Activism (MRA), where discussions focused on issues such as family court biases false accusations, and the perceived disadvantages of men in modern society (Watson, 2023). While some early MRA groups advocated for legal reforms, others adopted an increasingly adversarial stance against feminism, framing gender equality as a direct threat to men’s wellbeing (Ging, 2019). Over time, these grievances expanded beyond legal and political discourse into a broader critique of gender roles, relationships, and masculinity itself.

The rise of social media platforms in the 2010s transformed the manosphere, allowing its ideas to spread beyond dedicated forums into mainstream digital spaces. Platforms such as Reddit, TikTok, YouTube and Discord have played a crucial role in fostering manosphere communities, enabling users to to engage with manosphere content through algorithmic recommendations and personalised feeds (Ribeiro et al, 2021). Youtube, in particular, has become a major vehicle for manosphere influencers, as its recommendation system pushes users towards increasingly extreme content (Habib et al, 2022). Figures such as Andrew Tate and Jordan Peterson have used these platforms to reach millions, popularising manosphere rhetoric that blends self-improvement advice with deeply misogynistic narratives (Haslop et al, 2024) TikTok has further accelerated the reach of manosphere content with its short-form video format, making it easier for younger audiences to consume and share misogynistic content (Roberts et al, 2025). Another concerning trend is the increasing overlap between manosphere ideology and far-right extremism. While early manosphere communities primarily focused on gender grievances, many have since aligned with broader reactionary movement that’s oppose progressive social changes such as LGBTQI+ rights, racial diversity, and immigration (Ribeiro et al, 2021) Researchers have identified a growing pipeline from manosphere forums to extremist spaces, where young men who start by engaging in self-improvement or dating advice content are gradually exposed to conspiracy theories, white nationalism and even violent ideologies (Habib et al, 2022). This ideological convergence is particularly evident in the incel (involuntary celibate) community, which has produced multiple individuals linked to acts of violence including the 2014 Isla Vista attack and 2018 Toronto Van attack (Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund, 2022). The manosphere’s increasing radicalisation demonstrates how digital spaces, originally framed as male support networks, have become key drivers of misogynistic and extremist thought.

The manosphere, once confined to niche online forums, has successfully infiltrated mainstream discourse through social media influencers, viral trends, and algorithmic amplification. Figures such as Andrew Tate, Jordan Peterson, and various self-proclaimed “alpha male” influencers have brought manosphere rhetoric into the public consciousness, blending self-help messaging with overt misogyny. Tate, for instance, has amassed millions of followers by promoting hyper-masculinity and reinforcing harmful stereotypes about women, often portraying them as deceitful, submissive, or obstacles to male success. These influencers use their platforms to bridge the gap between extremist manosphere rhetoric and popular self-improvement or “rational discourse” narratives (Roberts et al, 2025). Their rhetoric often frames feminism as a societal ill that oppresses men, reinforcing an adversarial view of gender relations. By positioning themselves as “truth-tellers” in opposition to mainstream feminist discourse, these influencers normalise misogyny under the guise of free speech and self-betterment (Watson, 2023). As a result, manosphere ideology has reached the audiences beyond its original subcultures, influencing the attitudes of young men and shaping mainstream conversations about masculinity, relationship, and power dynamics (Ging, 2019).

Social media algorithms play a crucial role in this process, reinforcing and amplifying manosphere content by creating echo chambers where misogynistic beliefs are continuously validated and intensified (Ribeiro et al, 2021). This algorithmic reinforcement creates echo chambers where users are continuously exposed to anti-feminist rhetoric without ever encountering counter-narratives (Whittaker et al, 2021). As a result, many young men are drawn deeper and deeper into the manosphere without even realising they are being indoctrinated into a broader ideology of male supremacy. Many manosphere narratives frame feminism as a movement that disadvantages men, reinforcing the notion that men are the “true victims” of modern society (McGuirk, 2024). Additionally, the normalisation of harmful stereotypes, such as the idea that women manipulate men for financial gain or that male dominance is natural, has contributed to the rise in gender-based harassment and violence (Ribeiro et al, 2021). These shifting attitudes highlight how the manosphere is now not just an online phenomenon but a broader cultural force shaping contemporary gender relations, a testament to how internet communities can manifest offline in communities from what was once began in online spaces.

The manosphere has become a significant gateway for radicalising young men, drawing them in through shared grievances related to economic struggles, social isolation, and perceived rejection by women. Many young men experiencing economic precarity or lacking strong social support networks seek guidance in online communities, where they often encounter manosphere rhetoric that blames feminism and societal shifts for their hardships (Santos et al, 2021). The appeal of these spaces lies in their ability to provide a sense of belonging, with users reinforcing each other’s frustrations and offering simplistic but harmful explanations for complex personal struggles (McGuirk, 2024). The manosphere capitalises on these vulnerabilities by positioning itself as an alternative to mainstream narratives on gender and success, framing traditional masculinity as under attack and offering reactionary solutions (Haslop et al, 2024).

A particularly insidious aspect of the manosphere is the radicalisation pipeline that leads young men from self-improvement content to extremely misogynistic beliefs. Many initially engage with seemingly neutral content on fitness, dating advice, or career success, only to be gradually exposed to more aggressive anti-feminist messaging (Habib et al, 2022). Over time, exposure to this content fosters an “us vs. them” mentality. This gradual escalation, often referred to as the “radicalisation pipeline,” illustrates how digital networks do not merely host extremist ideologies but actively facilitate their spread.

The consequences of this radicalisation are not confined to online spaces; they have resulted in real-world harm, including harassment campaigns, doxxing, and acts of violence. Notably, several violent attacks have been linked to the manosphere, including the 2014 Isla Vista killings by Elliot Rodger and the 2018 Toronto van attack by Alex Minassian, both of whom expressed deep resentment toward women and cited incel ideology as motivation (Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund, 2022). Beyond physical violence, manosphere communities have engaged in large-scale harassment campaigns against women, activists, and academics, using tactics such as doxxing, swatting, and coordinated online abuse to silence dissenting voices (Watson, 2023). These cases demonstrate how online networks do not confine misogynistic discourse to digital spaces but also translate it into tangible harm and consequences.

From a psychological and sociological perspective, the manosphere operates much like other radicalising extremist movements, offering young men a shared identity and purpose (Ging, 2019). Studies suggest that radicalisation in these spaces is driven by a mix of social identity theory, grievance narratives, and ideological reinforcement (Santos et al, 2021). Addressing this issue required a deeper understanding of the psychological mechanisms at play and the development of counter-narratives that provide young men with healthier, non-toxic models of masculinity.

Given the significant role of online networks in the manosphere’s rise, any countermeasures must address both the structural design of social media platforms and the broader cultural narratives that sustain misogyny. Media literacy and critical thinking education are crucial in helping young people recognise manipulative narratives and reject extremist content (Watson, 2023). Programs such as “Be Internet Citizens” have shown success in teaching digital users how to recognise manipulative narratives and misinformation (Ging. 2019). In addition to public programs, social media companies must take greater responsibility for the role their platforms play in amplifying misogyny. Implementing stricter content moderation, disrupting recommendation systems that promote radicalisation, and increasing transparency in algorithmic decision-making are necessary steps toward mitigating harm (Watson, 2023). Countering manosphere narratives required the promotion of alternative, healthier representations of masculinity. Encouraging content that fosters gender equity, emotional intelligence and constructive male role models can help reshape the digital landscape. Lastly, policymakers and advocacy groups must work together to address the online radicalisation. Initiatives focused on gender quality, digital safety, extremism prevention, and changing the narrative on the age of social media use in young men and women are essential to creating a more inclusive online environment that sustains healthy support groups without tangible consequences.

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CONCLUSION

The manosphere’s ride illustrates how online networks are not passive conduits for social interaction, but active participants in shaping ideological movements. Social media platforms have provided the infrastructure for misogynistic discourse to thrive, influencing both digital culture and real-world attitudes toward gender. However, just as online networks have enabled the manosphere’s expansion they can also serve as tools for dismantling its influence. The same digital networks that have fuelled the manosphere’s growth can also be leveraged for change; it is possible to challenge the manosphere’s harmful rhetoric and foster a more equitable digital landscape. Online spaces can be transformed from amplifiers of hate into catalysts for social progress. Addressing this issue requires urgent action from platforms, policymakers, and society at large to ensure that social media remains a force for positive change rather than a vehicle for radicalisation and extremism. Only by reimagining the role of online platforms in social change can we counteract the manosphere’s dangerous influence and build a more equitable digital future.

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References

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