The Influence of Social Media on Gender Inequality

27 Oct 2025 | Newsletter

Mariana Vargas MaciasAIPPI Diversity & Inclusion Committee member

In the digital age, social media platforms are no longer just venues for sharing photos or chatting; they have become key actors in shaping public opinion. Today, millions of people consume, share, and create content on these platforms, directly impacting how we perceive reality, make decisions, and participate in democratic processes. Although these technologies offer opportunities for information, participation, and more, they also pose risks associated with polarization, misinformation, and control over the public narrative. In this article, we will briefly address one of the phenomena currently raising concerns about gender equality.

Many of us who watched the British series Adolescence by Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham, were struck by the rawness reflected in its themes, especially since, although not based on a true story, it incorporates events from various incidents and cases that inspired its creation. At the same time, this series is even more impactful because it opens a window to a parallel reality that many of us may overlook. I am referring to those subcultures that exist on social media and, for many young people, are the reality they live in beyond what others can see in daily life. For those who haven’t seen the series, its theme revolves around a 13-year-old boy accused of killing a girl classmate, and throughout the episodes trying to explain what happened, it becomes clear that the child’s online “life” is the key to understanding so terrible a crime.

There is no secret in knowing that social media is an important part of a person’s life today, especially for a teenager. One of the main factors amplifying the impact of social media is its algorithms, designed to keep users engaged and maximize interaction. These algorithms personalize content, prioritizing posts that evoke strong emotions or reinforce existing beliefs—a process known as algorithmic personalization. This can create “echo chambers,” where people only see information that aligns with their views, deepening polarization (1) and, if information might contradict these ideas, such information is excluded (2). Moreover there is a rapid circulation of fake news or disinformation. Therefore, the speed and low cost of distribution on social media allow false narratives to spread easily.

One of the most concerning phenomena on social media is misogyny—the hatred or aversion towards women. Online misogyny manifests in various forms: from sexist comments and harassment to threats of violence and coordinated smear campaigns. The viral and anonymous nature of social media allows these behaviors to spread quickly and reach a broad audience (3). Online misogyny is not an isolated phenomenon; it reflects and amplifies pre-existing gender inequalities in society. Platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram have become spaces where symbolic and psychological violence against women is exercised, especially those who have a public presence or express opinions that challenge traditional gender norms (4).

Examples of this phenomenon include harassment and cyberbullying targeting women journalists, politicians, activists, and celebrities—who are frequent targets of online harassment campaigns involving insults, threats, and defamation to silence and discredit them (5). The dissemination of non-consensual intimate images (“revenge porn”) and the glorification of sexual violence are common practices on certain forums and social networks, causing deep psychological harm to victims (6).

All of this finds place in the called Manosphere. The Manosphere comprises online groups that promote misogynistic and anti-feminist ideologies, justifying male domination and fostering hatred toward women (7). According to a study conducted by the Madrid Complutense University, the Manosphere includes forums, blogs, and networks that spread ideas about male superiority, denial of gender violence, and hostility toward feminism (8). Generally, they see feminism as a threat to men. Among the main communities within the Manosphere are incels (involuntary celibates), seduction artists, men following their own paths, men’s rights activists, misogynistic YouTubers, among others.

The United Nations has warned about the increase in online gender-based violence, especially against women and girls, and has called on states and tech companies to take measures to prevent and address this issue (9). An Amnesty International study revealed that women of color are particularly vulnerable to online harassment, facing disproportionate racist and sexist attacks (10).

Among the concerns regarding the rise of this phenomenon is that online violence can quickly translate into physical violence, such as expressions of misogyny, gender-based violence, and discrimination. In other words, it influences not only how people think but also how they act. The Manosphere exploits the need for belonging or validation among many young men to construct hate speech, often disguised as legitimate. They typically minimize, legitimize, or trivialize acts of violence against women. Additionally, the UN states that, in some cases, perpetrators involved in societal violence, such as shootings, have been linked to the Manosphere.

In light of these challenges, it has been recommended that various societal actors combine technological innovation with effective regulations, media education, and gender equality policies to ensure that social media serves as a tool for participation and not violence.

Finally, it is important to recognize that young men seeking belonging are exploited in the platforms and that some men also become victims within these toxic online communities, suffering psychological harm and reinforcing harmful gender norms through their participation. Broader gender inequality thus affects everyone, sustaining a cycle of violence and discrimination that extends beyond individual behavior. To foster a safer and more inclusive digital space, users can take concrete actions such as becoming aware of and challenging their own unconscious biases on social media, critically evaluating the information they consume and share, and actively promoting respectful dialogue. Furthermore, supporting initiatives that educate about gender issues and advocating for stronger regulation and accountability from social media platforms are essential steps. Collective efforts—combining individual responsibility with institutional change—are vital to counteract the growth of online misogyny and build a more equitable society both online and offline.

References

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