Tracing Online Misogyny

 

Digital hate directed against women is a pressing issue that has been a public concern for years. Women are systematically attacked and denigrated on the internet. According to a recent representative study by the competence network against online hate1 , women are one of the groups that are most frequently affected by digital hate. At the same time few mechanisms have been developed to protect them.

When women take part in online discourse, they do so under the fear of harassment, leading many to avoid speaking out publicly. This concerning status quo renders the voices of many women unheard, leaving the virtual realm to those who use misogynistic rhetoric. Moreover, this development must be considered against the backdrop of a broader anti-feminist back - lash in Western societies. Investigating the extent and functioning of misogyny online is extremely critical, especially as virtual behavior may reflect more than just offline behavior: It can also serve to aggravate deepening anti-democratic atti - tudes, and even manifest itself in radical forms and lead to physical vio - lence and murder – such as is the case in the Incels (Involuntary Celibates) subculture. Read the full report here.