A study commissioned by Ofcom suggests that the societal risk posed by the online 'manosphere' may have been overestimated. Researchers found that many men engaging with this content express commitment to equal treatment and fairness, with only a minority consuming 'extremely misogynistic content.' The study highlights the diverse nature of the manosphere, distinguishing between self-improvement content and extreme misogyny.
Society may have overestimated risk of the ‘manosphere’, UK researchers say
MenSocial mediaViolence against women and girlsAndrew TateJoe RoganOfcomInternetUK
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️A study commissioned by Ofcom suggests that the societal risk posed by the online 'manosphere' may have been overestimated. Researchers found that many men engaging with this content express commitment to equal treatment and fairness, with only a minority consuming 'extremely misogynistic content.' The study highlights the diverse nature of the manosphere, distinguishing between self-improvement content and extreme misogyny.
Trending- 1 2014: Elliot Rodger commits acts of violence in Isla Vista, USA.
- 2 2021: Jake Davison commits acts of violence in Portsmouth, UK.
- 3 2022-23: Approximately 3,000 VAWG offences recorded by police in England and Wales.
- 4 July 2024: National Police Chiefs’ Council publishes data on VAWG offences.
- 5 (Prior to article publication): Ofcom commissions the study on the manosphere.
- 6 (Prior to article publication): Revealing Reality conducts the study with 38 men.
- 7 Thursday (implied): Damon De Ionno, the report's author, states that society may have overestimated the risk.
- Society may have overestimated the risk of the manosphere, but a non-zero risk remains.
- A minority of participants encountered extremely misogynistic content, particularly in closed groups or incel communities.
- These extreme spaces promote 'black pill' concepts, self-loathing, hopelessness, and depressive/suicidal outlooks.
- Rising violence against women and girls (VAWG) in England and Wales, with a 37% increase in recorded offences since 2018.
What: A study commissioned by Ofcom, the UK communications regulator, suggests that the risk posed by the online 'manosphere' has been overestimated. The research found that many men engaging with this content are 'discriminating and value-driven' and express a 'strong commitment to equal treatment and fairness,' while only a minority consume 'extremely misogynistic content.'
When: The study's findings were discussed on Thursday (implied by article publication date). Data from the National Police Chiefs’ Council on VAWG offences was published in July 2024, covering 2022-23. Specific incidents mentioned occurred in 2014 (Elliot Rodger) and 2021 (Jake Davison).
Where: The research was conducted in the UK (England and Wales, Portsmouth). Incidents of violence linked to similar ideologies occurred in Isla Vista, USA.
Why: The study was prompted by growing concerns about internet misogyny and rising violence against women and girls (VAWG) in the UK, aiming to better understand the experiences and perceptions of individuals consuming manosphere content.
How: Ofcom commissioned Revealing Reality to conduct the study, which involved following the online journeys of 38 men through various manosphere content, from mainstream podcasters to 'incel' forums. The research probed different manosphere subcultures and analyzed the nature of the content encountered.