The fourth session of the Technology Facilitated Gender Based Violence Policy Dialogue Series, co-organized by UN Women and SVRI’s TFGBV Community of Practice, examined how to engage the manosphere, a sprawling, heterogeneous set of online communities shaping ideas about masculinity, gender, and power, and what it takes to tackle misogyny across the online-offline continuum. 

The session, of which the recording is now available online, sought to unpack why young men are drawn into these communities, how misogynistic narratives spread, and what can be done to counter them. It built on the overall framing of the Policy Dialogue Series: to create a shared space for governments, civil society, researchers, technology experts, and young people to confront under-explored issues at the intersection of technology and gender-based violence, and to chart actionable solutions.

Responding to the challenges of online misogyny

The discussion was guided by two central questions:

1. What is the one key area that must be addressed to reduce online misogyny?
2. How can men and boys be effectively engaged online to create safer digital spaces?

The session included a panel discussion with Gary Barker, founder and CEO of Equimundo and Saswati Chatterjee, Campaign and Social Media Manager at Breakthrough India which was moderated by Odanga Madung, Data Journalist and Managing Director of Odipo Dev.

The discussion highlighted the underlying drivers that fuel misogyny online, including isolation, harmful norms of masculinity, and the powerful influence of popular culture, gaming, and pornography in shaping young men’s attitudes. They highlighted the importance of reaching boys early—before harmful online cultures take hold—through supportive parenting, positive friendships, and education that builds empathy, respect, and critical thinking.

The conversation also drew attention to the importance of language and narratives in feminist and equality movements, noting that framing and tone can be a powerful lever to invite boys and men into dialogue and action that affects change.

Why the manosphere matters now

Laxman Belbase, Co-Director of the MenEngage Alliance, mapped the evolution of the manosphere, from 1970s men’s-rights movements to today’s influencer ecosystems aligned with far-right ideologies, and its real-world reach:

The manosphere is a broad space for misogynistic ideas… increasingly erasing any line between online and offline and marching into mainstream politics.” – Laxman Belbase

He urged us to see TFGBV as a structural problem—rooted in patriarchy, sexism, and long histories of inequality—not a “purely online” glitch.

How young men get pulled in—and what helps guide them out

Odanga Madung introduced the panel discussion by linking the manosphere to platform design and accountability, noting how algorithmic “rabbit holes” transform neutral searches into opportunities for radicalization:

For many, it starts innocently, fitness, money, dating, then design steers them into echo chambers. COVID was the lightning; what we’re hearing now is the thunder.” — Odanga Madung

Gary Barker underlined that most young men aren’t seeking misogyny but encounter it through algorithms and peer dynamics. He highlighted research showing that within 23 minutes of searching, boys are exposed to misogynistic content. Studies also indicate that 40% of young men report experiencing bullying online, with violent content now routinely normalized on major gaming platforms like Twitch.

They’re looking for connection or advice. But within minutes, misogynistic content will find them. Impunity and peer dynamics accelerate harm—if streamers call it out, the tone changes; if they encourage it, it spreads.” — Gary Barker

He also pointed out the role of pornography, now supercharged by AI “companions,” which research shows is increasing violent behaviour in sexual relationships. For example, Catherine Baker’s research on adolescent boys in Ireland links violent pornography consumption with increased aggression in sexual relationships. At the same time, the very factors that draw young men into harmful online spaces, such as loneliness, insecurity, and the search for belonging, can also help guide them out when they find healthier sources of purpose, connection, and relationships.

Saswati Chatterjee emphasized that the manosphere builds on offline patriarchy and harmful gender norms. She cautioned against focusing only on creating alternative spaces, instead arguing for alternative narratives that resonate in the places young people already are—gaming, memes and pop culture. She pointed to GamerGate as a turning point in online misogyny and noted that superheroes and other cultural icons can be reimagined to present different versions of strength:

Radicalization isn’t random. Many crave belonging or struggle with ‘how to be a man.’ We have to challenge those norms creatively and show different visions of strength, care, and equality.” — Saswati Chatterjee

Saswati also reminded the group that technology is never neutral: unless designed with diverse voices in mind, platforms and algorithms replicate bias.

Collective responsibility for solutions

Speakers agreed that addressing the manosphere cannot fall only to women’s rights organizations or feminist groups. It requires contributions from education systems, law enforcement, technology companies, youth groups, civil society and governments. Each stakeholder has a role in challenging harmful narratives, amplifying positive role models, and ensuring accountability across digital spaces.

The co-creation exercise pointed to the need for early education on social and gender norms, stronger accountability measures for tech companies, and better ways to support parents, teachers, and community leaders in shaping healthy relationships. Participants also emphasized the importance of addressing isolation and loneliness among boys, promoting positive role.

Key strategies to counter harmful content online

• Tech accountability. Stop platforms from profiting off harmful content, ensure transparent rules, and make reporting simple and effective.
• Early intervention. Begin long before children go online by teaching empathy, respect and healthy ways of handling frustration in early childhood and adolescence. Comprehensive sexuality education was flagged as essential.
• Positive role models. Elevate diverse men alongside women and LGBTQI+ voices who demonstrate positive ways of engaging online and offline.
• Spaces for open dialogue. Create safe environments where men and boys can express concerns, challenge harmful norms, and learn healthier alternatives.

Additional strategies discussed included: tackling isolation by fostering real-world friendships and connections; rewriting masculinity through culture; facing tough topics such as pornography; balancing empathy with accountability; and leveraging laws, regulation, and consumer power to push companies toward safer design.

What’s next

Inputs from this session—and the co-creation board—will inform shared, action-oriented advocacy messages for the UNiTE Campaign and 16 Days of Activism later this year. The series continues on October 16, 2025 (9am CET/SAST, 12.30pm IST, 5pm AEST, 3am EDT) with a focus on safety-by-design and content moderation, keeping the spotlight on rights-based, multi-stakeholder solutions.

Additional resources on the manosphere and how to engage men and boys

Brito, P., Hayes, C., Lehrer, R., & Mahler, J., Salinas Groppo, J. (2024). The Manosphere, Rewired: Understanding Masculinities Online & Pathways for Healthy Connection. Washington, DC: Equimundo.

Crabbe M, Flood M, Adams K. Pornography exposure and access among young Australians: a cross-sectional study. Aust N Z J Public Health. 2024 Jun;48(3):100135. doi: 10.1016/j.anzjph.2024.100135. Epub 2024 Mar 19. PMID: 38508985.

O’Rourke, F., Baker, C. and McCashin, D. (2024) Addressing the impact of Masculinity Influencers on teenage boys – A guide for schools, teachers and parents/ guardians. Anti-Bullying Centre, Dublin City University. 

Equimundo, Oak Foundation and Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media. The Double-Edged Sword of Online Gaming: An Analysis of Masculinity in Video Games and the Gaming Community 

Men, Masculinities and Countering Backlash Collective. 2025. 10 Ways to Engage Men & Boys to Counter Backlash: Fact sheet and guidance for activists, academics and practitioners in gender equality, human rights, democracy and climate justice. MenEngage Global Alliance, FEIM, SVRI.

Equimundo — Unlock You! game on Roblox as a co-operative project to challenge rigid norms

This blog was written by Andrea De Silva, UN Women.